Should we be using a credit card (which we wipe regularly) instead of cash in stores?

[CTyankee]

Actually my credit card does not usually get held by anyone but me in the store as it is always inserted by me in a little machine that vendors have.

[Butterflylady]

1. I use my debit card for everything.

And yes I'm the only one who handles it.

[hlthe2b]

2. Not if you or cashier wash hands or use hand sanitizer afterwards (or gloves to handle)

I think most cashiers ought to be wearing nitrile gloves.

[Claustrum]

9. Gloves only protect the person wearing it.

Gloves only protect the person wearing it. It blocks the person from contacting the virus, but the virus would stay on the surface of the gloves. Then if the gloves with virus touches other things, it would still contaminate other things.

[hlthe2b]

10. I said the person handling AND receiving money either wash hands, use sanitizer or wear gloves.

COVID-19 lives longer on metal and plastic (at least three days). Only hours on paper per the latest studies conducted by MIT. Still one must take the precautions.

As to a cashier wearing gloves contaminating everything they touch after purportedly handling contaminated money, one NEEDS to assume every item that you purchase is contaminated--whether it be from the shelf stocker or other consumers-- especially canned and packaged goods. For that reason you need to wipe down these items with alcohol wipes or similar when you bring them into the house/refrigerator/pantry and then wash your own hands immediately.

There are no shortcuts.

[Claustrum]

14. Right.

I just wanted to make it clear that the gloves doesn't prevent contaminating other things. People have a false sense of comfort when the cashier wears gloves and think they are safe. Like you said, they should still try to clean everything when they get home.

[hlthe2b]

16. They should have the sense that the facility & worker are taking it seriously to protect THEMSELVES

Switching from cash to debit card is not going to make any difference to the cashier as they are constantly under risk of contamination from EVERYTHING they are handling if they are not taking precautions. I am trying to emphasize that in response to the OP.

[marlakay]

3. I have been thinking about this

I had to pick up prescription in my neighborhood small pharmacy yesterday, she asked me to sign pad with their special pen. Thats the last place I wanted to touch anything, fast in out, gave her exact cash. I said for first time, do I have to? She said no gave me prescription and I walked out.

At stores i bring wet wipe for pen pad buttons for atm.

[CTyankee]

11. You could wear gloves ( regular, not surgical) when you sign for stuff.

[marlakay]

13. Very true i should start putting some

In my purse. Right now i bring a baggie with a few disinfectant wipes with me.

[Claustrum]

4. The machine that swipe the card could contain virus too

The machine that swipe the card could contain virus too if the other card holders is inflected and touched their cards. The virus can survive on surfaces for up to 10 days. And it's hard to constantly clean the swipe machine.

[GusBob]

5. everyone uses that little machine more than cash

how many folks before you have touched it

[ooky]

6. Been doing it for years.

Cash (and checks) are nearly obsolete in my life. Virtually everything goes on the card and gets paid off in full once per month with an automatic bank withdrawal.

[fleur-de-lisa]

7. I keep some wipes in a plastic bag in my car and wipe my card every time I use it.

[Codeine]

8. I just use my phone.

It doesn’t even touch anything.

[docgee]

12. I use my smart watch.

[marble falls]

18. Clorox won't work. 70% rubbing alcohol does.

[jberryhill]

17. Do you push the buttons on that little machine?

Or touch the screen?

[librechik]

19. What is this cash you speak of?

I can't keep any in my wallet, it disappears instantly.