Coronavirus can spread through currency notes or coins.

The advice by the World Health Organization and articles by The Guardian and CNBC partly confirm that virus can be spread through currency.

The advice by the World Health Organization and articles by The Guardian and CNBC partly confirm that virus can be spread through currency.As per the advice, coronaviruses could remain on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. It says the virus is unlikely to remain on a surface after it has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures. It suggests using disinfectant to clean the surface to avoid any contact.

The Guardian has reported that WHO spokesperson has warned that banknotes may transmit the disease as told to the Telegraph. It also mentions that banknotes can carry the virus, but the risk of spreading is very low.

An article published by the CNBC stated WHO spokesperson as saying that it has not issued any warnings or statements about the use of cash. However, it mentioned that some studies have suggested that paper bills can contain bacteria and viruses which can lead to the spread of disease. Viruses transmit when your hands only lead to infection when it is transferred from your hand to places like your mouth, nose or eyes.

The above evidence suggests that there is a possibility of the virus spreading through paper notes, but so far no cases have been reported.

The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a lot of potentially dangerous misinformation. For reliable advice on COVID-19 including symptoms, prevention and available treatment, please refer to the World Health Organisation or your national healthcare authority.