WHO Advises Consumers To Use Cashless Payment As Notes May Carry Covid-19 Virus For Few Days

WHO Says Covid-19 Virus May Stay On Bank Notes For Several Days, So Cashless Payment Is Safer

As the world becomes more technologically-advanced, more people are shifting to cashless payments.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has shared another reason to go cashless — the Covid-19 may stay on the surface of notes for several days, reported Yahoo News.

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Virus can stay on inanimate surfaces

Money is dirty — literally. While that is not an unknown fact, most people pay little attention to it. Money passes through many hands — between shop owners, customers and more.

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Researches have said that the Covid-19 virus may be able to survive on contaminated objects for up to 9 days in a room-temperature environment. Banks in China and South Korea reportedly started disinfecting their money in Feb.

While many avoid visiting public places like shopping centres where crowds gather, we still make many daily purchases using cash, especially at hawker centres and coffee shops.

Perhaps we should also focus on the bills which we constantly carry around.

Switch to cashless payment & wash hands more

The most straightforward way to avoid catching any viruses from money is to make a switch to cashless payments.

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Currently, Singaporeans have a myriad of ways to opt for cashless payments, such as apps like PayLah! and FavePay.

Many places accept cashless payments, and even hawker centres are joining in on the trend.

However, cash is still king at some shops. So if you still need to handle notes, WHO advises to remember to wash your hands after. In addition, you should avoid touching your face.

Alternatively, you can have a go at washing your money, but we can’t promise that it’ll be effective.

Download a cashless payment app

Although it’ll probably be a while before Singapore can go completely cashless, the current outbreak is a good opportunity for you to make the switch if you haven’t.

Besides, it’s more hygienic to avoid handling cash unless you can easily wash your hands when necessary. You can download a cashless payment app so that you can still spend as you like with fewer chances of passing germs on.

They’re also useful when you owe your friend money.

Featured image adapted from The Best Singapore and SG SME.