Banks move to reduce long lines inside

Customers will not be allowed to stand in long lines inside banks across TT, in the coming weeks. Newsday was told the banks have taken this action as part of their efforts to maintain social distancing and reduce the spread of the covid19 virus.

On Wednesday, long lines were seen outside banks in downtown Port of Spain.

Customers were seen in lines Wednesday, while other banks advised their customers to use e-banking, telebanking or come to the bank another day to reschedule their appointments.

Newsday spoke to some customers standing in line outside Royal Bank, where they said while they are uncomfortable with the new measures, they understand and support the reason.

There were only a few people inside being serviced. A representative at the bank told customers outside that they were only dealing with 15 people at a time, and when these people leave more customers were to be taken inside.

One lady said, “This will cause some chaos for those who don’t know how to use all those fancy online banking sites. What about old people? How will they bear in these lines outside?

At Scotiabank there was a small group gathered at the door waiting for service.

At First Citizen's, there were no long lines at the door and no one was allowed to go inside. A security officer explained only certain services were available and the number of people being served per day was now limited. This will continue at that bank for 14 days.