The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Friday sought an authentic and urgent clarification from Union Health Minister Dr. Harshvardhan whether or not currency notes are carriers of infectious diseases.
“If yes, then what are the preventive and safety measures the government could suggest not only for the traders but also for the people so that any prospect of spreading corona through currency notes must be contained,” said a joint communication of CAIT National Vice President Amar Parwani, Chhattisgarh State Working Presidents Magelal Maloo and Vikram Singh Deo.
They said there have been reports that currency notes, which pass through many hands, can carry infectious diseases. It's a matter of concern, they said.
Referring to a 2015 study by King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, CAIT said it showed that almost an entire sample of 96 banknotes and 48 coins were contaminated with virus, fungus and bacteria.
Similarly, a 2016 study in Tamil Nadu showed that 86.4% of 120 banknotes collected from doctors, banks, markets, butchers, students and housewives had various diseases causing pathogens.
Another report in 2016 from a Karnataka study showed that 58 out of 100 notes of Rs 100, Rs 50, Rs 20 and Rs 10 denominations were contaminated.
Because of the greater use of currency notes in India, the business community is most prone to any infection as it is the largest user of currency notes. In the context of Covid, this aspect assumes greater significance, the CAIT leaders added.