To think retailers should think about going card only.

[Ginnyrellas]

How likely is It that the corona virus can be passed on via cash handling?
it is undoubtably the dirtiest thing on planet earth and when you think about how many hands can pass over a simple note on a daily basis would it be unreasonable to think this could lead to the spread of COVID-19?

Yabu

I wonder what the COVID-19 spread is like in Amsterdam? When DH and I were there in 2018 there was virtually no cash used and I should think there’s even less now

YABU.

Don’t forget that small card transactions work out pretty expensive for a small business.

Unless the business is cash only you can avoid any risk by using your card without retailers having to make a change

Well it’s rare for people to use cash these days. It’s not exactly a big issue.

That would disproportionately affect those on lower incomes & the elderly, as they tend to use cash more.

Yabu. Go and find something else to worry about.

Basically. I work in retail. And I'm really not that bothered Personally about it. But it begs the question can cash carry the virus?
If so, what if one retail worker gets it. Then hands over Cash to an elderly person?

@aprilhope
Im not worried I'm genuinely interested.

But it begs the question can cash carry the virus?

China felt it could, I believe they cleaned a lot of theirs.

Card systems are also unreliable, they'd need a back up plan or could lose valuable business.

I also worry about the cost of small transactions especially on small businesses. Using cards could add substantially to costs to small shops selling low price items.

Unless Using contactless (under £30) putting in your pin on the germ ridden keypad is probably worse!

YANBU. I don’t we’ll change to a cashless society over this, but we will one day and it will be a good thing.

I never use cash anymore; haven’t for years. There’s just no need. Whether the transaction is pennies or hundreds, I always use card.

My DD is on the tills, cash is nothing to worry about considering the amount that she gets coughed on.

@MirandaWest, everyone i know takes cash to Amsterdam, especially younger people.

My DD's shop (big discount store) hasn't had stock today, coming from China, because it's been contaminated. They are spraying it in the warehouse, but the stock put out earlier in the week was most likely also contaminated.

It's going to be everywhere and as said those on low incomes are most affected by measures that will be taken, so we have to think carefully.

I think banning cash would need to come after cancelling football and dealing with the subsequent protests.

I never understand when people say cash transactions are rare; according to UK finance, in 2018 cash transactions made up 28% of all transactions made in the UK. Nearly a third, not really rare.

But I don't think you could ban cash transactions; what about folk who have lost their bank cards as I have done many a time and are awaiting a replacement and in the meantime use cash. What about people with debt who have atm only cards. What about the thousands of people in the UK who are under guardianship/appointeeship who are only given cash to use and don't have access to bank cards. All of these people would be excluded.

@Marnie76
Do you think?
Card machines are mostly stationary and often get cleaned but it is a very good point to be made certainly, where as cash goes from pillar to post and has the potential to pass through thousands of hands and homes per week

"I never use cash anymore; haven’t for years. There’s just no need"

It isn't worth my window cleaner, gardeners (two old fellas on a pension working for ale money) and my small hairdresser moving over to cashless. As it isn't for others.

Whether the transaction is pennies or hundreds, I always use card

But you must know that not everyone is the same as you don't you?

I and loads of other people use cash everyday, we don't all live the same kind of life and as long as cash is legal tender we're perfectly entitled to use it.

And how would it work for pop up festivals and fairgrounds etc?

Even the donkeys on the beaches?

I and loads of other people use cash everyday, we don't all live the same kind of life and as long as cash is legal tender we're perfectly entitled to use it.

coconuttelegraph I know. I never suggested otherwise. But over time we will eventually move to a cashless society.

I’m simply saying I don’t need to use cash; everywhere I go and everything I buy I can use card for; pennies or hundreds. It’s so much easier.

Hi @Ginnyrellas, we've moved this over to the Coronavirus topic.

So ask if you can wear gloves.

My hairdresser and cattery only take cash.

OK, hearts you've changed it now, originally you hadn't qualified that it was you who didn't need it, you said there was no need. My point is that there is a need for cash for very many people, you obviously aren't one of those people.

I am sure that I read somewhere (sorry can't remember the source) that the chip and pin machine at the chemists is one of the worst places for picking stuff up.