What Are the Chances of Spreading Coronavirus Through Money

Experts say that various infectious diseases are spread through banknotes.

The presence of various types of germs in banknotes or money is not new. Experts even said that various infectious diseases are spread through banknotes.

In 2015, scientists at the Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology in Delhi found that DNA tests on notes in the Indian market showed evidence of the presence of at least seven dangerous microbes that could spread deadly diseases.

Even a team of Bangladeshi researchers said in August last year that they had found the presence of bacteria in notes and coins on Bangladeshi paper, which are usually found in excrement.

Nishat Tasnim, an environmental science student at Khulna University, spent about six months researching the currency and coins in circulation, saying he found E. coli bacteria in these coins.

They have seen the presence of more than a thousand bacteria in paper money notes and coins taken from 15 sources. Bacteria up to one thousand levels are considered tolerable.

Khulna University Professor of Environmental Sciences. Abdullah Harun Chowdhury was the supervisor of the study on money.

Earlier, he told the BBC: "What we found in this test is horrible from a public health point of view. Because there are common bacteria, along with bacteria from human feces and urine, which are harmful to the human body."

As a result, he is not ruling out the possibility of spreading coronavirus infection through these currencies.

Dr. Chowdhury said, "Since we have found different types of bacteria in the money that cause various diseases in the human intestine, it is not uncommon for the virus to spread through it."

Through the use of money or dollars and international exchange, the coronavirus can spread not only within one country but also to different countries and it can take a deadly shape.

According to him, coronavirus can spread not only in one country but also in different countries through the use of money or dollars and international exchange and it can take a deadly shape.

"Since it is directly caught by the human hand, it often counts with the saliva of the mouth. So the coronavirus can be spread through it. From there it can happen if the person eats with his hand, gives it to the mouth."

He said the virus is active in the carrier's body, inactive elsewhere. If he has money, he may be inactive, but if he comes in contact with people, it can cause coronavirus symptoms or disease, this possibility cannot be ruled out.

In the wake of such fears, an initiative to disinfect money or banknotes with the presence of the virus was seen in China last month.

Following the recent outbreak of the coronavirus in the country, banknotes have been removed from the market to sterilize the virus and re-disinfected.

However, the coronavirus has not yet been identified in Bangladesh, according to the National Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR).

The agency says it has tested more than 100 samples so far, but no coronaviruses have been found.

How to avoid infection through currency

In the wake of such fears around the world, experts have suggested avoiding banknotes and making purchases or transactions using touchless media or technology.

Touchless transactions or technologies refer to transactions using a medium other than banknotes such as cards, various types of apps such as bKash or cash or any other technology.

However, in a country like Bangladesh where almost 100% of transactions are done through banknotes, questions have also been raised about how this advice can be implemented.

In this case, experts say, it is difficult to follow such advice in the context of Bangladesh.

However, in this case, they have given some suggestions about the use of bank notes.

Experts suggest avoiding banknotes and making purchases or transactions using touchless media or technology.

Mahmudur Rahman, a former director of the National Institute of Disease Theory, Disease Control and Research, said that since the coronavirus has not yet been identified in Bangladesh, it is difficult to say right now.

However, if identified, be careful to use banknotes to prevent the virus from spreading excessively.

Mahmudur Rahman talks about some suggestions in this regard:

• Of course, do not salivate with your hands when counting money
• Hands must be washed with soap immediately after handing over bank notes or money.
• Those who handle excessive currency, such as bank employees or money exchange traders, must be extra careful. They can take after gloves or gloves.
• You can also use hand sanitizer as a precaution.
• Do not touch the eyes, nose or mouth immediately after holding or using the money.