The World Health Organisation, WHO, on Wednesday, gave a stern warning that bank notes could aid the transmission of the highly infectious COVID-19 or coronavirus disease.
The United Nations body, therefore, advised people to go cashless in their business transactions, especially when making purchases.
And if they must handle cash, the global health organization recommended that people should wash their hands immediately with soap and copious water.
The WHO advisory was predicated on experts’ discovery that the coronavirus, which researchers are still struggling to understand its nature and behavior, can survive on bank notes for several days.
Consequently, the advisory warned that people must, as much as possible, refrain from using money for transactions.
“To stop the spread of the disease, people should use contactless payments where possible and wash their hands after handling cash,” WHO said in the advisory.
“We know that money changes hands frequently and can pick up all sorts of bacteria and viruses.
“We would advise people to wash their hands after handling banknotes, and avoid touching their face.
“When possible, it would also be advisable to use contactless payments to reduce the risk of transmission.”
The Telegraph newspaper said the Bank of England also recognised that bank notes “can carry bacteria or viruses” and, therefore, encouraged frequent hand washing.
Recall that only last month, February, Chinese and Korean banks embarked on the disinfection and isolation of used bank notes as part of efforts to stem the spread of the virus.
“Ultraviolet light or high temperature is being used to disinfect and sterilise banknotes, before the cash is sealed and stored for up to 14 days before being recirculated,” China’s central bank disclosed at a press conference.
“Like any other surface that large numbers of people come into contact with, notes can carry bacteria or viruses.
“However, the risk posed by handling a polymer note is no greater than touching any other common surface, such as handrails, doorknobs or credit cards,” the Bank of England said.
The WHO also warned that coronavirus can be spread through contaminated objects, droplets and direct contact with infected patients.
