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Coronavirus

Japanese shun ATMs amid fears of coronavirus-infected cash

Banks in Tokyo see 60% drop in withdrawals as people stay home

Cold cash seems to be viewed as likely source of infection by many Japanese.    © Reuters

TOKYO -- Consumers in Japan are shunning cash amid the coronavirus pandemic.

As of mid-April, bank ATMs in the capital have seen a 60% drop in cash withdrawals compared with a month ago. While the country's emergency declaration has prompted people to stay home, it also appears they are trying to avoid risk of infection through paper money.

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