The Philippines and whole world is working together to stop the spreading of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, which has been one of the biggest causes of panic this 2020. This virus is striking fear in the whole world into the hearts of countries and affecting global trade, tourism, the economy, and even the use of money (banknotes)! According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the use of dirty money (banknotes) could pass around the coronavirus (COVID-19) from one person to another.
People should practicing using cashless and stop using money (banknotes) and make contactless payments instead to prevent the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the World Health Organization has warned as the spread of the virus continues to escalate.
What is the benefits of using cashless transaction instead of cash payment to prevent coronavirus (COVID-19) in protecting in our health?
One of the greatest benefits of going cashless is increased security for both vendors and customers. Cash has long been the target of opportunistic thieves and its removal has the potential to reduce crimes like robberies and smugglings.
Cash is notoriously covered in germs; studies suggest that paper bills can contain bacteria and viruses, plus lead to the spread of disease. 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.
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. Given that, the best measure you can take to prevent the spread of germs is hand-washing.
Consider going cashless
As well as washing your hands and avoiding touching your face, another hygiene practice to consider while coronavirus (COVID-19) is at large is to temporarily give up paying for goods and services with shrapnel or the folding stuff.
Studies have shown that coins and paper money can serve as disease vectors, changing hands several times a day to spread germs far and wide. As COVID-19 can spread via respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes, it’s possible that cash handled by an infected person could carry and spread the virus.
There are reports that currency in parts of China is being cleaned or taken out of circulation to help contain the spread of the virus, and that after a brief closure, there are some establishment they accepting cashless transaction (GCash) like supermarket (PureGold), restaurant (BonChon and Army Navy) and other affiliated merchant.
If you’re concerned about the risk of catching a virus from dirty money, you could consider switching to tap and go payments with your debit or credit card, or using GCash apps via your smartphone. Just be sure to keep washing your hands and practicing good hygiene when handling your cards and devices.
