
Coronavirus pandemic: Covid-19 transmission risk from using cash is low, study finds
The risk of catching Covid-19 through using banknotes is low, according to research by the Bank of England that suggests the aversion to using cash during the pandemic is unnecessary.
The central bank considered a plausible worst-case scenario of an infected person coughing or sneezing onto a note and found that the level of virus on the surface began to drop rapidly after an hour. After six hours, it had declined to 5% or less.
The chances of such direct contamination occurring is relatively low as cash is typically stored securely in tills or wallets, the study found. An infected person touching notes would result in far lower levels of the virus.
Even so, the pandemic is likely to result in lasting shifts in consumer behavior. As well as growing adoption of online shopping as people stayed home, concerns about the spread of the virus has prompted U.K. stores and consumers to increasingly prefer contactless forms of payment.
Also, read: Travelling while covid-19 persists? Here are 3 precautions you should take
The report found: “A few hours after infection, even at high doses, the levels and therefore associated risk of infection appear low,” the report said. “Further, the survival of virus on banknotes is no greater -- indeed appears potentially less -- than on reference surfaces representative of the many surfaces that people may come into contact with in their routine life.”
(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)
Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter

Ishaan Khatter gives fitness twist to ‘let’s meet at the bar’ and we are in awe
- Ishaan Khatter raises the bar of fitness motivation as we enter a new week and we are too inspired to follow his version of ‘when someone says let’s meet at the bar’. Here’s why

Covid-19 travel insurance becoming a vacation staple

Shraddha Kapoor's ethereal golden lehenga is made by masi Padmini Kohlapure
- Shraddha Kapoor shared pictures of herself looking like a dream in a gorgeous golden and blue lehenga choli set at the wedding ceremony of her cousin Priyaank Sharma with Shaza Morani. However, the stunning outfit was made by a brand that has been co-founded by her masi Padmini Kohlapure.

Kajal Aggarwal re-defines comfort, luxury and elegance in wine organza saree
- Singham star Kajal Aggarwal makes jaws drop in awe as she remains at the top of her fashion game in a wine discharge print organza saree while looking forward to a grand release of Mosagallu and one of her highly anticipated movies of Tollywood, Acharya

Loved Priyanka Chopra's new sweater? Her mom knitted the gorgeous piece
- Priyanka Chopra recently shared an image of herself wearing a beautiful turtle-neck sweater. The special thing about it was that the jumper was knitted by the actor's mom, Madhu Chopra while she was staying in London.

Parineeti Chopra oozes oomph in backless sequinned midi dress and we are stunned
- Want to make the traffic stop and bae go weak in the knees on your next date night? Take fashion cues from Parineeti Chopra’s latest smoking hot look for Marathi Filmfare Awards 2021’s red carpet, in a backless sequinned midi dress, which has set the mercury soaring like never before

New book by EL James, Freed, as told by Christian Grey, to release in June 2021
- EL James, who is famous for her 50 shades trilogy, is all set to release another book. Freed: Fifty Shades Freed as told by Christian, is going to be the fourth book and will be from the perspective of the famous character Christian Grey.

International Women’s Day 2021: History, significance and theme

International Women's Day: Google Doodle celebrates firsts in women’s history
- Google Doodle, for this year's International Women's Day, is honouring women who broke down the barriers and changed the course of history. It is also celebrating the trailblazers of present and future.

International Women's Day: 3-day event to be hosted in UP Raj Bhavan for females

Horoscope Today: Astrological prediction for March 8

Addressing the post-pandemic sartorial needs

Try this Vegetarian Paella recipe and get a taste of Spain with a healthy twist

International Women's Day 2021: Celebrating women who chose to challenge
