By Jereme Sánborn, August 24, 2021
The virus continues to spread despite effective vaccines for COVID-19 being available. This is leading to adaptations in consumer behavior, such as how consumers pay for goods and service. The biggest development? Renewing emphasis on hygiene.
We know a lot about the Delta variant.
Yale University says that we can reasonably be certain of the following characteristics for the Delta variant.
* It is more contagious that other COVID-19 strains.
* Even though vaccinated individuals can get infected, people who have not had the jab(s), are more vulnerable.
* The Delta variant can infect large numbers in localized areas at once due to its high transmissibility rate, which could tax the healthcare system.
* The best defense against this strain is vaccination and COVID precautions
This is the last piece of advice. Masking, hand hygiene and social distancing are just as important as ever during the pandemic.
Contactless payments could help stop Delta variant transmission
Contactless or touchless payments are possible without contact between seller and buyer. Near-field communication (NFC), which is found in many merchants’ terminals/readers, and their customers’ cards, devices, wearables, allows this to be achieved.
Contactless payments can only be used by consumers who have either a debit or credit card that has their payment information embedded on a smart chip. This feature is built into every modern smartphone and allows you to securely store your credit card payment information, transit passes and other documents.
NFC technology is a better option than passing cash, cards or other potentially dangerous items from one hand to the next. After opening their digital wallet, the customer can place their smartphone within inches of the reader. Once the process has been initiated, the merchant’s reader will receive the encrypted credit card number and expiration date along with the security code.
The details are sent to the issuing bank and processing company. Once the payment has been accepted, it is declined. This all happens in a matter of seconds and does not compromise security.
You can also pay by contactless.
Merchants and customers no longer have to conduct business at traditional cash registers or POS systems due to the rise in mobile point-of-sale (POS) readers. Contactless sales transactions are possible in a variety of locations, including curbside, parking lots and customers’ homes. This is a time when hygiene and physical distancing are top priorities. The mobile touchless card reader can be connected to the cloud’s POS software so that record-keeping, customer relations and inventory management tasks are possible regardless of where payment is made. This allows you to access the information from any location, at any time.
SARS CoV-2 is an example of how viruses can mutate. The Delta variant may be the most recent, but it is not the last. Innovations such as contactless payment can be used to create a safer environment and still allow shoppers to make essential purchases.
