"The scientific analyzes entrusted in recent weeks to European reference laboratories have confirmed that the banknotes do not present any particular risk of infection compared to other everyday surfaces," Banque de France told AFP. While, since the start of the coronavirus crisis, contactless payments have remained the preferred route to mitigate all risks of contamination, there is no particular danger concerning banknotes.
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The behavior of the virus on different surfaces
"By comparing the behavior of the virus on different surfaces, it appeared that it could survive ten to a hundred times longer on stainless steel than on a banknote," explains the Banque de France. Doorknobs are therefore more prone to spreading the virus than banknotes. The Covid-19 spreads "more difficult on porous surfaces like that of banknotes than on smooth surfaces".
Contactless payment
Since May 11, the limit for contactless payment has increased in France from 30 to 50 euros. A payment method that still reduces the risk of contamination compared to a payment by bank card via a code, or a cash payment, which requires human contact. The Banque de France is nonetheless keen to highlight the consumer's "freedom" in the way he wishes to pay for his purchases. Cash cannot of course "not be refused in the context of a transaction under penalty of a criminal sanction".