Dirty banknotes may be spreading coronavirus who suggests people go cashless

A timely and relevant topic!

Yes, dirty banknotes can potentially spread coronavirus, as the virus can survive on surfaces for a certain period. In fact, a study by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) found that the COVID-19 virus can survive on banknotes for up to 28 days.

Given this concern, several experts and organizations have suggested going cashless or reducing the use of physical currency to minimize the risk of transmission. Here are a few examples:

  1. The World Health Organization (WHO): In a statement, the WHO emphasized the importance of good hygiene practices, including avoiding touching one's face and washing hands frequently. They also suggested using contactless payment methods, such as mobile payments or credit/debit cards, to reduce the need for physical currency.
  2. The European Central Bank (ECB): In response to the pandemic, the ECB encouraged banks to promote contactless payments and mobile payments to reduce the use of cash.
  3. The Bank for International Settlements (BIS): The BIS, a global financial institution, has suggested that central banks consider issuing digital currencies to reduce the need for physical cash.
  4. The International Monetary Fund (IMF): In a blog post, the IMF highlighted the benefits of digital payments, including reduced contact and lower risk of transmission.
  5. Experts in the field: Many experts in the fields of epidemiology, public health, and finance have also advocated for reducing the use of cash to minimize the risk of transmission.

Some countries have already taken steps to promote cashless transactions, such as:

  1. Sweden: Sweden has been moving towards a cashless society for years, with many businesses and individuals using mobile payments and digital wallets.
  2. Singapore: Singapore has introduced a contactless payment system, called PayNow, which allows users to make transactions using their mobile phones.
  3. China: China has been promoting digital payments, such as WeChat Pay and Alipay, which have become increasingly popular.

While going cashless may not eliminate the risk of transmission entirely, it can certainly help reduce the risk of spreading the virus through physical currency.