Corona virus is a type of virus that is very contagious and spreads quickly. There is still a lot of speculation related to the transmission of the Corona virus, including the transmission of the Corona virus through cash. Actually, can cash transmit the Corona virus?
Cash in the form of paper or coins is one of the most frequently touched objects and passes from one hand to another. Because they are often touched and change hands, there can be many viruses and germs that cause disease that stick to the surface of cash.
Facts about Corona Virus Transmission Through Cash
The Corona virus that causes COVID-19 disease can survive on the surface of objects for several hours or days, depending on the type of surface, temperature, and humidity of the object.
Corona viruses are known to survive longer in cold places or surfaces. On the other hand, some research suggests that the Corona virus may not survive in hot places, especially those that are exposed to a lot of sunlight.
On plastic surfaces, the Corona virus can survive for 2-3 days. Meanwhile, the Corona virus can survive on metal surfaces for 5–9 days, copper for 4 hours, glass for 5 days, and paper for a few minutes to 5 days.
Corona virus is known to enter the body, when someone touches an object that has been exposed to this virus and then eats with their hands or touches their nose, mouth or eyes without washing their hands first.
Even so, until now there have been no case reports or research confirming that someone was exposed to COVID-19 from cash. The most common transmission of the Corona virus is when someone has close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19.
In addition, the Corona virus is also known to be transmitted through the air (airborne) in a closed, crowded, and poorly ventilated room. In such an environment, a person's risk of being infected with the Corona virus will be higher when they linger in that place.
Tips for Preventing Corona Virus Transmission Through Cash
Although the risk of transmitting the Corona virus through cash is low, you still need to be vigilant. To be safer, try to follow these tips to prevent transmission of the Corona virus through cash:
Wash your hands often
This is the main step that is important to do to prevent COVID-19. Therefore, remember to wash your hands regularly with running water and soap or use hand sanitizer with at least 70% alcohol after touching the cash.
You also need to wash your hands after touching dirty objects, taking out the trash, or after coughing and sneezing.
Wear gloves
If your job requires you to touch cash, use gloves as a personal protective device from the Corona virus. Gloves can be a barrier, so your hands don't directly touch cash.
Don't forget to wash the gloves regularly, if the material is cloth, yes. Meanwhile, if your gloves are for single use, whether they are plastic or rubber, be sure to throw them away and replace them after each use.
You are also still advised to wash your hands after removing gloves and avoid touching your face after using gloves.
Use disinfectant
If you want to make sure your cash is completely free of viruses and bacteria, you can spray it with disinfectant or use a tool called UV sterilizer. For banknotes that have been sprayed with disinfectant, let them dry before you put them back in your wallet.
Now, you don't have to worry too much about the transmission of the Corona virus through cash as long as you apply the tips above.
However, to be more secure, you are recommended to use a non-cash payment method (cashless) when making transactions, for example when shopping or ordering food online on line.
In addition, you are also recommended to regularly clean the items around you with disinfectants and apply health protocols wherever you are. Use a double mask, wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer, and apply physical distancing.
If you still have questions regarding the transmission of COVID-19 disease or want to make sure the information is correct, don't hesitate to ask the doctor via chat in the ALODOKTER application. In this application, you can also make a consultation appointment with a doctor at a hospital.
