The World Health Organisation (WHO) has suggested shoppers switch from cash to contactless cards to avoid the risk of spreading the coronavirus.
A spokesperson from WHO told The Telegraph that contactless cards might help to 'reduce the risk of transmission' and to wash hands after handling cash.
They told the paper: "We know that money changes hands frequently and can pick up all sorts of bacteria and viruses.
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"We would advise people to wash their hands after handling banknotes, and avoid touching their face.
"When possible it would also be advisable to use contactless payments to reduce the risk of transmission."
The statement comes after the UK government warned that the virus - named Covid-19 - could see up to a fifth of the country's workforce off sick.
In a press conference to address the crisis, PM Boris Johnson said: "It is highly likely we will see a growing number of UK cases. Our country remains extremely well prepared, as it has been since the outbreak began in Wuhan several months ago."
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As a 'worst case scenario' the government has warned that up to 80 percent of the population could contract the virus; however, Chief Medical Officer Chris Witty said the infection rate is most likely to be lower than this.
He added that in the UK 'probably around one percent of people who get this virus might end up dying'.
So far, more than 90,000 people have caught Covid-19 in over 50 countries and around 3,100 people have died.
The UK has 51 confirmed cases and a national incident management team and coordination centre has been set up.
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Of the 51 cases, 12 people have since recovered.
To help combat the spread of the virus, the NHS has told people to frequently wash their hands, or use sanitiser gel and to avoid touching your face.
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Its urged people to catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues and then chuck them.
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