The People's Bank of China is putting more new cleaner cash into circulation and holding used banknotes for 24 hours before putting it back into people's hands.
Some banks are reported to sterilize grimy bills and showering them with ultraviolet radiation to try to kill any potential SARS virus.
The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China is urging customers to use automated teller machines, telephones and the Internet to do their banking.
However, medical experts say there is no clear evidence that people who frequently handle money are at higher risk of catching SARS, although there is some evidence the disease can be contracted from surfaces such as elevator buttons and door handles.
(Xinhua News Agency May 2, 2003)
|