The Chinese Central Bank announced a decision to "clean up" the circulated currency "Yuan" by placing them in a "quarantine" to curb the spread of the Corona virus.
The official institution further stressed that it would continue to support companies suffering from the epidemic.
Van Yifei, deputy governor of the Chinese Central Bank, said that banks use ultraviolet radiation or very high temperatures to sterilize banknotes, before isolating them for a period of 7 to 14 days.
In a press conference yesterday, he pointed out that it is possible to return the banknotes to circulation after the "quarantine" period that depends on the severity of the epidemic in the relevant region.
"We must maintain the safety and health of the users of cash," he said, referring to the suspension of money transfers between Chinese provinces.
The central bank's measures come in parallel with the increasing reluctance of the Chinese to use the cash for fear of catching the infection, despite the fact that most consumers use their smartphones to pay their dues and the price of their daily purchases for years.
Meanwhile, Hubei Provincial Government said this morning that it will impose a vehicle embargo, with the exception of police and ambulances and those transporting essential goods in relations to public services.
It will also conduct periodic health checks for all residents of the region.
In Beijing, the authorities imposed a 14-day self-quarantine on those returning to the city after the holidays, and threatened to punish violators.
In cities such as Beijing and Shanghai, the business center, streets and subway stations remained largely deserted, and many shops and restaurants were empty or closed.
Lunch was banned in the halls and replaced with meals stored in boxes. Meetings take place online and employees must wear face masks all day and report their temperatures twice daily.
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