The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) have requested that banks move to disinfect bills whilst also encouraging people to use contactless forms of payment in an effort to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) among the wider community.

Disinfection is required at all transaction counters
to contain the spread of the coronavirus 

In a recently issued telegram, the central bank asks all credit organisations to disinfect bills currently in circulation and store them within vaults for a period of time before putting back into circulation. Moreover, SBV branches are now required to put newly-printed notes into credit organisations as a means of ensuring that normal transactions can continue following notes being stored in quarantine.  

Bank staff who come into direct contact with clients are set to be equipped with tools necessary for their protection, including clothing, gloves, face masks, and sanitisers. Areas where banknotes are involved in transactions or stored, such as ATMs, must be frequently sterilised in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

In addition, the central bank has been encouraging individuals to use contactless payment methods whenever possible, such as using MasterCard or online banking, in order to reduce the risks of further COVID-19 cases. 

With the outbreak spreading globally, health experts have warned citizens that banknotes in circulation may be holding bacteria and viruses, while recomending people to wash their hands after using money.