People using ATMs and spending cash should be maintaining hygiene precautions, according to the UK’s cash machine network.
Link said that, as expected, consumers’ ATM and cash use has fallen significantly – by around 50% – over the past few days.
It said this trend is likely to continue as people spend more time at home under stricter coronavirus measures.
Link said it recommends that people maintain hygiene precautions for contact with surfaces whenever they are using ATMs, spending cash, or making payments.
This means washing their hands as soon as possible and trying not to touch their eyes, nose and mouth.
Link is working closely with its members, regulators, industry bodies and others to ensure consumers can still access their cash during the Covid-19 outbreak.
It said that, looking ahead, it is very likely that some consumers’ cash usage habits will have fundamentally changed.
But it said the requirement for cash access, as a contingency and for vulnerable consumers, will be more important than ever. A fundamental review and potential restructuring of the country’s ATM network and its business model may therefore be necessary.
Link chief executive John Howells said: “These are difficult and challenging times, but I would like to reassure everyone that Link remains as committed as ever to ensuring people can continue to access their cash.
“I and the whole Link board would also like to thank our members and the many, many people who are working hard behind the scenes to keep the ATM network going.”
Meanwhile, consumer group Which? expressed concerns that vulnerable people may be left unable to pay for the basics they need if some businesses decide to ask for card-only payments.
From April 1, the contactless card transaction limit will be raised from £30 to £45.
This will mean fewer people needing to enter their pin when making card transactions – and will also give shoppers more opportunities to “tap and go” when in the past they may have used cash.
Gareth Shaw, head of money at Which?, said: “It’s understandable that some shops may ask customers for card-only payments to reduce the risk of transmitting the coronavirus, but we are concerned this will leave many vulnerable people unable to pay for the basics they need.
“Both the Government and retailers need to find a way to ensure that the millions of people who rely on cash, and may not have a bank card, can still pay for essentials during this difficult time.”
Peter McNamara, chief executive of ATM provider NoteMachine, said: “People are shopping for elderly and vulnerable neighbours, friends and families, and a lot of these shopping trips will need to be made with cash.
“Even before Covid-19, many of society’s most vulnerable already had a heavy reliance on cash.
“Removing this payment method at such a critical time would be a devastating blow to many people.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel