Handling Cash

Handling cash

Last updated: 10th March 2021

Note: This section has been archived as of 13th September 2021.

Handling Cash 

Many shops and supermarkets are not accepting cash at present. If you are picking up items e.g. groceries on behalf of someone who is self isolating at home you may need to put a payment system in place. Ideally, a cashless system is best as it minimises infection transmission. There are several ways this could be done:

• If you are working or volunteering for a group or organisation they should already have a system in place for paying for items being delivered. If they don’t have a cashless system set up you could ask for advice on how to do this from your local third sector interface.

• You could arrange with the person you are supporting to buy a gift card or store card for items that they need. This still needs to be paid for but a single, one off cash payment to purchase the card is better than multiple smaller payments of cash.

If it isn’t possible or practical to arrange a cashless system then you might need to be reimbursed for any expenses. This will mean receiving cash from the person you are supporting. In order to minimise infection transmission you should follow these steps.

• Cash that is to be exchanged should be placed in a plastic ziploc bag or envelope.

• If you are collecting cash you must observe social/physical distancing measures, step back to the current recommended distance and wait until the person has gone inside before picking it up from the doorstep.

• If you are returning cash e.g. change and receipts leave the bag or envelope on the doorstep, step back the current recommended distance and wait until it has been collected before leaving.

• To minimise the chance of infection transmission the bag or envelope should be left unopened in a secure place for a period of 72 hours.

• Wash your hands immediately before and after handling the bag or envelope and advise the person at home to do the same. We have a section about how to practice effective hand hygiene.

Remember: try to use a cashless payment system if possible, alongside social/physical distancing and effective hand hygiene.