Banknotes may be spreading the new coronavirus so people should try to use contactless payments instead, the World Health Organization has said.

Customers should wash their hands after touching banknotes because infectious Covid-19 may cling to the surface for a number of days, the UN agency said on Monday night.

To prevent the spread of the disease, people should use contactless technology where possible, a spokesperson added.

The Bank of England has acknowledged that banknotes "can carry bacteria or viruses" and urged people to wash their hands regularly.

It comes after both China and Korea last month began disinfecting and isolating used banknotes as part of their efforts to stop the spread of the virus.

Officials used ultraviolet light or high temperatures to sterilise the bills, only putting them back into circulation after they had been sealed and stored for up to 14 days.

A source at the Bank of England insisted there were no plans to do the same in the UK.