With 46 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Nigeria as of 7:00 am on March 25, 2020, top banks across the country have intensified safety measures to curb further spread of the virus.
AccessBankPlc closed its VI branch after a customer was tested positive for Coronavirus after visiting the bank on Monday. In a statement released by the bank, “the branch has been temporarily closed for thorough disinfection and persons who had any contact with the concerned individual are currently in isolation.”Access Bank also advised people who visited the branch between Monday, March 16 and Friday, March 20, to self-quarantine for 14 days immediately, and report to the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) if they feel sick or exhibit any of the coronavirus symptoms.
As part of the precautionary measures, Union Bank in a tweet stated that although their branches will remain open and operate its normal hours, all bank staff will wear protective gears mask and gloves. Upon entry, every customer will have their temperature checked and sanitized. While in the banking hall or at the ATM all customers are instructed to keep a six feet distance between themselves and others.
Updating safety protocols, FirstBank revealed that from Monday, March 23, 2020, all non-essential visitors to any of their branches should contact their office through online and digital platforms like telephones, online meetings, teleconferencing, and others. In addition, Firstbank has suspended local and international travel for staff and made available a 24/7 medical adviser to assist any staff who may have flu-like symptoms.
Similarly, Pan-African bank of Nigerian origin- ZenithBank disclosed that it is following strictly the health and safety recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) and all the jurisdictions they operate in. Zenith Bank urged its customers to avoid physical cash as it increases vulnerability to bacterias and viruses, instead they should make use of their digital and electronic channels such as ATM cards, mobile banking, and mobile app.
Other top Nigerian banks and financial institutions like Fidelity Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank and the United Bank for Africa have also taken similar safety measures to protect its staff and customers. Inevitably, these safety precautions put in place by Nigerian banks will help safeguard the health of both its staff and customers thereby hindering the spread of coronavirus across the West African country.
