- Utilising contactless payments is VITAL in helping to defeat the spread of Coronavirus
- Studies show viruses can live on cash for days posing an additional risk of spread
- Matt Crate, MD of WeSwap, discusses the importance of the increased limit
The number of reported COVID-19 cases has almost reached 400,000 worldwide, with many more predicted to follow in the coming weeks. In order to reduce its spread, everyone must avoid all unnecessary contact at all times.
In response to the growing impact of the virus, payment providers have decided to increase the contactless payment limit to £45. This will help consumers avoid making contact when purchasing essential goods.
This is in line with previous comments made by a spokesperson for the World Health Organisation who recommended using card whenever possible, as cash frequently changes hands and is therefore more likely to carry viruses and bacteria.
Matt Crate, MD of WeSwap, discusses the importance of the increased limit in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Increasing the contactless limit to £45 by payment providers is a necessary step. The fact that coronavirus has spread so quickly demonstrates how important it is that we take every measure available to avoid unnecessary contact.
Studies have shown that similar coronaviruses can survive on paper and other materials for days at a time. Using cash puts you in close proximity to other people, potentially assisting the spread of coronavirus. Conversely, using card allows you to distance yourself from others, PDA’s are easily disinfected and the process itself requires no physical touching.
Fortunately, many countries have been moving away from cash in the last few years. This means we are already well equipped to use contactless as our primary payment option. This is made all the easier with the new increased limit. With that in mind, we should all play our part and do everything we can to help with containment. Avoiding cash and embracing contactless is contribution we can all make.”
