Why Cash is Safe & How ATM Safe are Working with ATMIA
Why Cash is Safe to use during COVID-19
Medical experts and banks around the world have all testified that cash is safe to use during the corona virus pandemic.
We have collected research from a wide range of sources to bring you an overview of how using cash is safe.
COVID-19 spreads through droplets from coughing or sneezing. This is why social distancing is so important right now. While the risks of handling cash are low. It is sensible to follow government guidelines on hand sanitising.
Below is a quote from a leading scientist in Spain:
A virus needs to enter a cell to continue being active, otherwise it will deteriorate quickly on any inanimate surface, except in extremely low temperatures:- – 20°C to -70°c.
Prof. Mariano Esteban, Head of the Poxvirus and Vaccines Group of the National Centre for Biotechnology in Spain
What other inanimate objects might carry the virus
Coins
Coins despite being a metal surface are a bad environment for any virus to survive.
Hand Rails
When you are out in public, it is almost impossible to avoid a hand rail or banister. The advise is to always wash your hands after.
Communial Office Kitchens
Coffee machines, kettles and mugs are all potential touch points the virus might be present. Keeping them sanitised and using your own mug or flask will help keep you safe.
Telephones
If you are back to work and in the unlikely event of sharing a phone you will need to ensure sanitising procedures are maintained. This might be the case in a restaurant or cinema.
Reference List
The ECB Blog: “Beyond monetary policy” (Apr 28, 2020)
G4S: “ESTA: No Risk of Contamination with COVID-19 on Banknotes” (Mar 19, 2020)
Benefits of Cash
Cash is Secure
Cash can not be hacked and protects the privacy of those that use it.
No Card Fees
The retailer does not pay a fee when you pay with cash. Paying by card generally makes goods more expensive for the consumer.
Cash is the Only Method For Many
Whether you are elderly or have a poor credit history, cash is the only way of paying bills or for food. Cash is available to all and the only truly inclusive method of paying.
How we are working with the ATM Industry Association - ATMIA
ATMIA are the ATM industry association. They have published steps ATM operators can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The published document contains best practices and how different products can help to keep the public safe. We have picked out a few best practices for reference. For full details visit the ATMIA website and sign in. If you are not a member yet, there is a registration page online.
UV Irradiation
UVC (short-wavelength UV light) is used in many industries to safely kill viruses and bacteria. UVGI or Ultraviolet germicidal irradiation disinfects by neutralising microorganism’s. This is a method the airline industry are considering to help sanitise airplane seats and airport surfaces.
Anti-Microbial Coating
The application of an active ingredient to the surfaces on an ATM that will remain for a set time period. Anywhere between a few weeks to a month. This coating will make the virus inactive upon contact.
Sanitising
Sanitising surfaces will lower the number of bacteria to a safer level.
ATM Hygiene Hands Free Sanitiser
To help ATM operators and the banking industry, we have launched a hands free sanitiser product that can be customised to your brand.
No power is needed and our product works on a manual stainless steel foot pedal. This means no contact is required to sanitise hands. While the gel bottles are secured in place to prevent theft.
See it in action below: