Chinese banks have started to decontaminate and quarantine old banknotes to help minimise contact between people and stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus that has killed 1,666 people as of press time.
The banknotes, which were reported to have an incubation period of 2 to 14 days, are to be disinfected using ultraviolet light and then stored for 14 days before recirculation for public use.
Fan Yifei, deputy governor of the People's Bank of China, said that banks have been urged to provide new banknotes to customers whenever possible. The central bank will also release $86 billion (RMB 600 billion) worth of new bills in light of the recent development.
The Chinese government has advised the public to avoid using physical payments for the time being and to observe proper sanitation at all times.