A realistic transfer method reveals low risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via contaminated euro coins and banknotes

The current severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has created a significant threat to global health. While respiratory aerosols or droplets are considered as the main route of human-to-human transmission, secretions expelled by infected individuals can also contaminate surfaces and objects, potentially creating the risk of fomite-based transmission. Consequently, frequently touched objects such as paper currency and coins have been suspected as potential transmission vehicle. To assess the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission by banknotes and coins, we examined the stability of SARS-CoV-2 and bovine coronavirus, as surrogate with lower biosafety restrictions, on these different means of payment and developed a touch transfer method to examine transfer efficiency from contaminated surfaces to fingertips. Although we observed prolonged virus stability, our results indicate that transmission of SARS-CoV-2 via contaminated coins and banknotes is unlikely and requires high viral loads and a timely order of specific events. [Display omitted] •Paper currency and coins could be potential transmission vehicles for SARS-CoV-2•High titers of SARS-CoV-2 remained infectious for days on banknotes and coins•Transmission to fingers is context dependent in a novel virus touch-transfer model•Chance of transmission through banknotes, coins, and credit/debit cards is unlikely Microbiology; Virology; Methodology in biological sciences