Covid-19

So what is the reality when it comes to COVID-19 and cash?…

CHC is working to maintain its service levels and keep its clients safe from COVID-19. We are obviously strong supporters of free access to cash in our society. That doesn’t mean that we do not recognize there may be some risks. However, risks can be mitigated and we foresee continued strong demand for cash. Here are the latest words of advice from the World Health Organization on the use of cash;

Despite reports that the World Health Organization was pushing people to use contactless payments, a spokesperson for the WHO tells CNBC Make It it has not issued any warnings or statements about the use of cash. Instead, it reiterated that you should wash your hands, including after handling money, especially if you’re eating or touching food.

For starters, COVID-19 doesn’t spread by penetrating the skin on your hands, Michael Knight, assistant professor of medicine at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, tells CNBC Make It.

“Getting coronavirus, or other respiratory viruses like influenza, on your hands only leads to infection when it is transferred from your hand to places like your mouth, nose or eyes,” he says.

Additionally, if you stick to contactless payments but don’t wash your hands after touching your phone, credit card or a payment terminal, “you are still susceptible to potential infection,” Knight says. 

You should also wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing, according to the Centers for Disease Control. (Using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is recommended if you can’t wash your hands.)