Bank of Canada asks retailers not to ban cash transactions over coronavirus fears
18/03/2020 19:44
OTTAWA, March 18 (Reuters) - The Bank of Canada urged
retailers on Wednesday to stop banning cash transactions for
fear of spreading the coronavirus, saying the practice could
hurt people who relied on physical money.
A number of Canadian outlets, citing health concerns, are
declining to take cash. Coffee store chain Second Cup Ltd
SCU.TO said last week that its outlets would only accept
debit, credit, gift cards and mobile payments.
"Refusing cash could put an undue burden on people who
depend on cash as a means of payment. The Bank strongly
advocates that retailers continue to accept cash," the central
bank said in a statement.
"The risks posed from handling Canadian bank notes are no
greater than those posed by touching other common surfaces such
as doorknobs, kitchen counters and handrails," it said.
(Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Peter Cooney)
((david.ljunggren@thomsonreuters.com; +1 613 235 6745; fax +1
613 235 5890; Reuters Messaging:
david.ljunggren.reuters.com@reuters.net))