Newsagent bans CASH over fears handing over money could transfer killer coronavirus
- Newsxpress are only accepting card payments following concerns from staff
- Staff became concerned handling money could spread the deadly coronavirus
- Employee at the store said its a small step taken to stop the spread of COVID-19
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
A newsagency has banned cash due to fears money could spread coronavirus.
Newsxpress in Toorak, in Melbourne’s inner city, is only accepting card payments following concerns from staff about the handling of coins and notes.
Signs around the store read: ‘Due to health concerns we will only be accepting credit or EFTPOS cards for the payment of items purchased.
‘Cash will not be accepted.’
Newsxpress in Toorak, in Melbourne’s inner city, is only accepting card payments following concerns from staff about the handling of money
The ban comes into effect on March 16.
One of the store’s employees, Anna Balsecchi, told A Current Affair its a small step taken to stop the spread of coronavirus.
‘I’m actually from Italy and my family is there and obviously the situation there is pretty crazy,’ she said
‘I guess if they knew before how it was going to end, they probably would have started better and bigger measures before – so we don’t want to get to that point.’
Some customers were outraged by the move and vowed not to shop at the store until the ban was lifted.
Others said it was reasonable given the current health crisis.
One of the store’s employees, Anna Balsecchi, told A Current Affair its a small step taken to stop the spread of coronavirus
There is not enough academic research to determine whether cash can be a carrier for coronavirus.
However environmental microbiologist Cameron Jones said it is entirely possible with the amount of contaminants currently on cash.
The move comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a ban on ‘non essential’ public gatherings of more than 500 people from Monday and any ‘non essential’ international travel.
There is not enough academic research to determine whether cash can be a carrier for coronavirus
The government is taking the drastic move in the wake of growing evidence the coronavirus pandemic is spreading throughout the community.
‘We will be advising against organised, non-essential gatherings of persons of 500 people or greater from Monday,’ Mr Morrison said on Friday.
The number of cases across the nation has soared to 199 – up more than a third in just 24 hours, according to health officials.