OUTBREAK OF (COVID 19) CORONA VIRUS PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR THE BANKERS

CHANDIGARH – 22 March,2020

Humanity across the globe is confronted with the life-threatening dangers posed by the spread of COVID 19. All sections of the world society are vulnerable and exposed to the danger of contracting the viral infection for which, as on date, no cure has been found. Medical experts have suggested that the only way to save oneself from contracting this infection is prevention. Keeping in view the danger associated with the human race, the World Health Organisation has officially declared it as a global emergency fearing that it will wipe out a huge chunk of mankind. Various preventive measures have been suggested by GOI as well as by State Govts. which should be followed without exception. Even our Prime Minister, in his address to the Nation, laid special emphasis on these preventive measures and appealed to the Citizens to follow them meticulously to prevent the virus from spreading. Of the various preventive measures suggested, RESTRICTING MOVEMENTS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING are the two most important tools to contain spread of the virus. It was in keeping with these factors that PM in his address to the Nation appealed for observing “Janta Curfew” for one day on 22nd March 2020.

Banks are a public place frequented by a large number of customers from various strata of the society. The huge footfall in a branch premises makes the place all the more vulnerable for spread of the virus. Moreover, currency notes are a major source of contamination. Your authority will also appreciate that our staff at the Bank branches, are taking all possible steps such as sanitization of branch premises, dispensing hand sanitizers at the entry to all people entering the branch premises etc. to contain the spread of the virus to the extent possible. Now, one major problem that we are facing is the masks, gloves, liquid hand wash and the hand senitizers are not available in the market especially in rural arears. Sir, Banks are offering a host of ALTERNATE CHANNELS like ATMs, CDMs, SWAYAM, ONLINE BANKING, NEFT/ RTGS/ IMPS, YONO etc which provide customers nearly all the banking facilities without having to visit the branch physically. Therefore, the steps are required to curtail the huge footfall in the bank branches to prevent the spread of this deadly virus.

We, the bankers, who are pledged to provide the best services to our esteemed customers, are equally concerned about the wellbeing of our customers as also our staff. As conscious citizens we all have to co-operate and take all steps necessary to restrict the spread of the deadly virus. There is an urgent need to put some restrictions on the banking services by allowing opening of bank branches on alternate days or twice a week to cater services to provide only essential services.

In view of the above stated facts, we request your authority’s prompt intervention in this regard to ensure that we can get all precautionary measures against the deadly virus and to uphold the spirit of the age-old maxim “Prevention is better than Cure”. We look forward to your positive and prompt action in this regard.