Cash? No thanks.
Some businesses are asking customers to keep their cash in their pockets and use credit or debit cards or online payment instead to reduce contact in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis.
Numerous studies over the years have found everything from microbes to fungus and drugs on cash around the globe.
So when looking at ways to respond to current concerns, Jennifer Gidora, operations manager at Finest At Sea Ocean Products Ltd. in James Bay, thought: “Why don’t we just take money out of the options?”
The company posted the new policy on social media, saying it will only be accepting card payments, and is encouraging contactless payments. “It is important we take the spread of the virus seriously and given the current risk, we feel these are necessary steps.”
The James Bay business is also cleaning its PIN pads more frequently, and hourly sanitizing door handles and countertops.
Customers calling in orders to the store can pre-pay with credit cards, Gidora said. Orders are boxed up and kept in cold facilities in a separate on-site building, so they do not have to enter the store, she said.
As with other businesses, staff numbers inside the building are being limited and some are working from home.
The food truck on the property is now a takeout window only and seating has been removed, Gidora said, noting that there is a park across the street. Takeout food orders can be placed ahead of time. “We hope you will continue to support local small business such as ours,” the company said in an online post.
Metro Liquor, with seven stores in B.C., including one in Brentwood Bay, also posted on social media that it will not be accepting cash to help limit the amount of physical contact between staff and patrons.
Stores delayed opening until noon on Wednesday to allow staff to spend a few hours to deep-clean the premises, the post said.
