Coronavirus in UAE: Avoid cash, Dubai bank warns

  DUBAI – A popular bank in the UAE on Wednesday (March 18) warned consumers to “avoid cash” as part of measures to curb the spread of the new coronavirus or Covid-19. In an email to customers, the CEO of Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) discouraged the handling money, which can potentially increase one's chances of catching the virus. “As you know, currency notes are transferred from people to people and in such times, it is best to avoid using cash as much as possible,” DIB CEO Adnan Chilwan said in his email. In China, the government has ordered banks to disinfect potentially infected cash before circulating it to the public. Chilwan said that people should use mobile apps linked to their credit card or debit card to make contactless payments at places like supermarkets and fuel stations. He also urged customers to use online banking and mobile banking services. “Given the volatility in the landscape around us, we at DIB are implementing decisive measures to ensure that all our customers stay protected and steer clear from face-to-face interactions, as much as possible,” Chilwan said. His statement comes as the UAE implemented several measures to curb the spread of coronavirus, including shutting down schools, cinemas, entertainment centres and places where crowds gather. Airports have also implemented health checks for all passengers. At DIB, temperature scanning is being implemented in all its offices, with sanitization of all its branches, offices and ATM sites. DIB CEO Chilwan called for calm, saying, “We must not panic! Collectively, we all need to ensure that we stay safe, protected and healthy.” As of Tuesday, the UAE’s total number of infected stood at 113, after the Ministry of Health and Prevention announced 15 new cases of COVID-19 in the country. “All those in close contact with the confirmed cases are being screened to avert spreading of the disease and ensure public safety. Full coordination channels are maintained with all health and other concerned authorities in the country through a very effective epidemiological monitoring mechanism,” the ministry said in a statement. DAJ/Expat Media
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