E-Paper | June 22, 2026

Banknotes carry no particular coronavirus risk: German disease expert

Reuters Published March 23, 2020
Expert says droplets from infected individuals were the main reason for transmission. — Reuters/File
Expert says droplets from infected individuals were the main reason for transmission. — Reuters/File
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Handling banknotes doesn’t pose a particular risk of contracting coronavirus, the head of Germany’s Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases said.

“Transmission through banknotes has no particular significance,” RKI head Lothar Wieler told Reuters, adding that droplets from infected individuals were the main infection risk.

His remarks appeared to contradict those of World Health Organisation (WHO) officials who have advised people to wash their hands after handling banknotes.

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Coronavirus
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M. Saeed
Mar 23, 2020 02:32pm
American government has ordered to quarantine for 10 days, all banknotes that come to the States from abroad, as a precautionary measure.
Recommend 0
Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad
Mar 23, 2020 04:14pm
If bank notes are contentious, use plastic money like credit and debit cards to combat coronavirus pandemic.
Recommend 0
QiXi
Mar 23, 2020 07:02pm
Except the Pakistani ones as they made from different paper.
Recommend 0
Atif
Mar 23, 2020 10:18pm
It doesnt say bank notes cant transmit the infection. It basically says that it's a minor route. Poor English means people draw wrong conclusions from an article.
Recommend 0
Lgbtqx
Mar 24, 2020 05:00am
High value bank notes are safe, because they are too hot commodity.
Recommend 0

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