Link Excerpts: "Chinese banks have been ordered to disinfect cash before issuing it to the public in an effort to curb the spread of the new coronavirus that has so far killed 1,770 people in the country." "The Chinese government said during a press conference on Saturday that banks would only be permitted to release new bills which had been sterilized."
Not a bad precaution. Ensuring things like door handles in public restrooms, (statistically the dirtiest part of a restroom), are disinfected would probably have a greater effect.
U.S. paper currency, which is manufactured with a blend of cotton and linen, appears to be more likely to attract bacteria and hold it longer than banknotes from countries such as Australia and Canada. And the $1 American bill appears to be the dirtiest dollar of all: In one government study, 94% of $1 bills were harboring bacteria, including some that can cause pneumonia, blood infections, diarrhea, and urinary tract and respiratory system infections. Research has revealed that the flu virus can survive up to 17 days on banknotes when accompanied by mucus, which is doubly disgusting. All that said, it’s unclear how many people actually get sick as a result of handling tainted cash. Surely, most people conduct cash transactions without any noticeable health repercussions. But the reports are enough to send you screaming to the Purell—and perhaps to one of the emerging smartphone payment options too.
Not Purell or other hand sanitizers "As panic spreads faster than the virus, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a warning letter to hand sanitizer manufacturer Purell telling the company to amend uncorroborated statements about the ability of new hand sanitizer products to reduce transmission of diseases like Ebola, norovirus and influenza. " It is just alcohol, so carry a bottle of 90% isopropyl from Walmart or use the alcohol wipes for injections on surfaces . Do not drink or suck either, IMO Jim
I don't know what's true or not but some believe it is a waste of time to be sterilizing cash over coronavirus fears: http://forums.wheresgeorge.com/show...-Coronavirus&p=6944246&viewfull=1#post6944246.
I think there just trying to cover all there bases, but one wonders just how effective it would actually be, i guess setting on there hands and doing nothing would also send a negative message.
Why is information on it's lifetime on objects so different? Some people are saying a week, 3 days, and that guy in the other forum says one hour.