Can Covid-19 be spread through banknotes and coins?

There seems to be much confusion whether banknotes and coins can carry Covid-19 (coronavirus).

As a result of ongoing debate and concern, the Herald contacted the South African Reserve Bank and the World Health Organisation (WHO) for clarity.

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Leisel  Radebe of The South African Reserve Bank’s media centre issue the following statement:

“The coronavirus continues its spread around the world and the WHO has declared it a pandemic. While all efforts are being made across all sectors of society to mitigate the further spread of Covid-19, no industry or individual is exempt from this virus.

“As such the South African Reserve Bank and its subsidiaries the South African Mint and the Banknotes Company would like to restate that personal hygiene is the best defence against the coronavirus.”

“The risk of transmission of Covid-19 can come from a variety of surfaces as the virus spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets travel in the air up to 2 metres and come to rest on any surface and banknotes and coins are materials that are used by all individuals.”

According to a  WHO statement: “To date, there is no evidence to suggest Covid-19 has been transmitted specifically through coins or banknotes.  The virus can, however, persist on many surfaces contaminated with respiratory droplets from an infected person.  Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose after touching coins, banknotes, or any other frequently-touched surface.”

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