Hyderabad: Doctors have warned that ATMs being used by thousands of people daily to draw money in the backdrop of demonetisation of high-value currency notes, could be a new source of infection. Bacteria and viruses that can cause respiratory tract infections, skin allergies and fungal infections could adhere to machine buttons, screens, exterior of the card reader, writing surfaces, signage and also light panels.
With the temperature inside the cubicle maintained at below 30ºC, there is a good chance for the bacteria, virus and other microbes to survive for a longer time. Dr P.N. Reddy, a senior general physician, said, "The surface of the ATM harbours germs from human touch, mainly from improperly washed hands and from the respiratory tract system. Droplets released by a person suffering from cold, viral flu or from other diseases settle on the machine and via touch it spreads around."
With frequent use, the surface of the machine remains hot, encouraging growth and multiplication of various organisms. From November 10, ATMs have been in constant use as customers try and access their money. A bank manager on condition of anonymity said, "As per our contract, daily cleaning work like dusting of the machine and cleaning the floor is carried out by the cleaning staff. On weekends, it is the security guard who does the cleaning inside the kiosk. Complete vacuum cleaning and cleaning with liquid are carried out by specialised agencies once in three months. But in the present rush for money, we have not been able to carry out the basic services." Dust mites, small particulate matter from vehicles, even deposits of food allow parasites to breed inside the machine unit.
Allow old notes to buy chicken, eggs: IndustryAllow
The poultry industry has urged the state government to allow the use of old currency notes to purchase eggs and chicken at least for the next 20 days in a bid to stave off a crisis.
Industry representatives met finance minister Etela Rajender on Saturday at Secretariat on the issue. They told the minister that the industry was losing '40 crore per day with no buyers due to currency crisis. Telangana Poultry Traders Association president G.Ranjith Reddy said, “The government has been accepting old currency notes to pay taxes, utility bills and arrears. This has been beneficial for both government and people. The same facility should be extended to the poultry industry, which is reeling under a severe crisis with no buyers since November 9.”
“We are losing business due to the currency crisis. We are not in a position to repay loans. The poultry industry provides livelihood to a significant section of the population in the rural areas. The rural economy will be hit if the industry collapses," Mr Reddy added. He said the state produces 4 crore eggs and 15 lakh kgs of chicken per day, which cannot be stored for long. “This has resulted in about 80 per cent loss to poultry production,” he said.
