WHO: Cash Could Spread Coronavirus

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the exchange of cash can contribute to the spread of the novel coronavirus from one person to others.

WHO added that the virus could stay in money for several days after being exposed to a virus holder, advising people to avoid touching their faces after handling money.

"Money is constantly changing in hands and it can pick up all kinds of bacteria, viruses," a WHO representative said, adding "We advise people to wash their hands after handling banknotes and avoid touching their faces."

In a statement to the Business Insider, a WHO representative said people should "wash their hands or use a hand sanitizer after handling money, especially before eating."

"Viruses tend to last longer on hard surfaces like plastic or metal and on soft surfaces like fabrics," Academic Medical Center Mayo Clinic wrote, noting that US dollars for instance are a mixture of paper and fabrics, and factors such as temperature and humidity affect the virus lasting duration on surfaces.

Last February, China announced that it would destroy and disinfect money from hospitals, buses and markets in areas severely affected by the virus, however, the Bank of England said it would not follow China's plan, and the US Treasury Department did not respond yet.

Meantime, WHO advised people to go for e-payments instead of cash, to undermine the spread of the disease.