Scotiabank workers contract covid19

ENHANCED safety protocols have been implemented following confirmation that two Scotiabank employees – one at the Diego Martin branch and the other at the bank's Independene Square, Port of Spain branch – tested positive for the coronavirus.

The bank confirmed this in a release sent on Sunday where it assured customers that their safety continues to be top priority for the bank. The bank said the two are in quarantine after exhibiting symptoms and are now under medical supervision of the Ministry of Health.

The bank said it implemented certain measures immediately after confirming the infections and is working with the authorities including the ministry to ensure adherance to measures prescribed.

Employees who work in the two branches were immediately notified and are in the process of being tested and will self-isolate for the stipulated 14 days. As such, the Independence Square branch will be closed until further notice. The Diego Martin branch will reopen on Tuesday with a new rotation of employees available to serve customers.

The bank said the two branches will undergo "stringent deep cleaning and sanitisation" prior to reopening in order to safeguard the health and well-being of both employees and customers.

The bank also pointed out in its release that most banking services are online once customers register to Scotia's OnLine Banking or the Scotia Caribbean app to pay bills and transfer funds. Customers can also get real time alerts and messages about all activity on their accounts via Scotiabank Alerts.

The bank, in its release, reminded that at all of its branches, the following measures remain in place:

* Social distancing - there is a limit to the number of persons that can enter any location and conduct business at any given time.

* Contactless temperature screening upon entry at all our locations. Requirement that all visitors/customers wear face masks when visiting our branches. These may be temporarily removed for transactions requiring when ID confirmation.

* Transparent panels have been installed at the counter spaces to help provide a safe barrier while you are conducting your transactions. These barriers are also within the employee spaces.

* Frequent deep cleaning of our branches every business day, including sanitizing of all surfaces (door handles, ATM keypads and screens, pin pads, chair handles, desks, reception areas, teller wickets and washrooms), and hand sanitizer is available in-branch for use by both employees and customers.