Central Bank: Covid19 will not stop polymer bills.

The covid19 pandemic will not stop the progress of the implementation of polymer bills, said industrial and external relations manager Nicole Crooks.

Crooks said, according to the Central Bank’s Strategic Plan Progress Report from October 1 2019 to March 31 2020, the polymer notes were still expected to be distributed late in 2020.

In February, Central Bank revealed the design for $50, $20, $10, $5, and $1 bills. The $50's design may change, but the rest of bills will maintain its original colours. Newsday understands the bills will be available from September this year, but cotton bills will remain as legal tender until the end of 2021.

While the pandemic has not affected when the bill will be rolled out, the progress report indicated that Central Bank will be making efforts to treat with virus and its macroeconomic effects.

“The second half of the current financial year is expected to be dominated by our efforts to deal with the virus at staff and country levels. It will require sensitivity, the activation of business continuity plans, and close coordination with financial institutions, national and international

bodies.”