Chinese banks sterilize and quarantine old notes for 14 days before re-issuance to limit the risk of corona virus transmission.

"Banks are using ultraviolet rays and high temperatures to disinfect used banknotes, then isolate them for 7-14 days depending on the area and then put them back into circulation," said deputy director. Central Bank governor Fan Yifei said today.

China Central Bank in late January also urgently issued a new 4 billion yuan worth of banknotes to Wuhan province to "ensure the safety and public health when using cash," said Fan. In addition, the agency has urged banks to use new money whenever possible.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), corona pneumonia (Covid-19) can be spread through infected liquids by infected people. However, it is unclear the impact of cash disinfection as more Chinese people choose to pay electronically.

The National Health Commission of China today said the country recorded an additional 143 deaths and 2,641 infections, bringing the number of deaths in mainland China to 1,523 and the number of infected people to 66,492. Worldwide there are 67,100 cases of infection, 1,526 deaths.

To prevent the virus from spreading, China has implemented a series of measures to restrict travel, and cancel crowded events and close restaurants, schools and businesses in many localities across the country.