Can Cash Transmit Coronavirus?

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

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On March 20, progressnews.ge released an article headlined “Money no longer plays an active role in virus transmission; still, China burned 200 billion.” The article refers to the Facebook post of analyst Amiran Salukvadze, according to which the World Health Organization (WHO) allegedly stated that cash money no longer transmits coronavirus. Salukvadze’s remarks were also spread by news agency marshalpress.ge.  

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The information misleads the readers, creating a false perception as if the World Health Organization previously claimed that cash was transmitting coronavirus, but later changed its position. In fact, the World Health Organization had been regularly warning the population to wash their hands after handling any object, including money, especially if handling or eating food. It, however, has never spread a warning against the use of cash money. 

On March 6, WHO spokeswoman Fadela Chaib tried to clarify the issue, emphasizing that “we were misrepresented” in the media. 

Fadela Chaib, WHO: “WHO did not say banknotes would transmit COVID-19, nor have we issued any warnings or statements about this. We were asked if we thought banknotes could transmit COVID-19 and we said you should wash your hands after handling money, especially if handling or eating food. Doing so is good hygiene practice.” 

Misleading information about the cash allegedly transmitting coronavirus was spread by both Georgian and foreign media outlets. Thehill.com reported, on March 4 that the World Health Organization warned the banknotes may carry the virus and recommended to switch to contactless payments for a certain period of time. Identical information was spread by The Telegraph , The Sun, Independent and Daily Email UK . Based on this information, the central banks of various countries took relevant measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus from cash.  

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How is coronavirus transmitted? 

COVID-19, as the new virus, is still under research. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention experts believe, that coronavirus spreads primarily from person to person and through droplets produced by a sick person’s cough or sneeze. In addition, people can possibly get the disease by touching an infected object or surface “and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes,” but experts don’t believe this is the main mode of transmission. 


Prepared by Dea Margvelashvili 
Myth detector lab

Violation: Manipulation
Country: ВОЗ
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