Bankers Association of Malawi (BAM) says the use of face masks in commercial banking halls is now mandatory to prevent the further spread of Covid-19.
In a statement on Friday, BAM chief executive officer Lyness Nkungula said customers without a face mask will not be allowed to enter banking halls.
She encouraged all bank customers to use the available digital banking platforms and only visit banking halls if it is necessary to do so.
Reads the statement in part: “BAM further wishes to remind all customers to strictly observe the precautionary measures to contain the spread of Covid-19, including washing hands before entering any banking hall or use hand sanitisers provided.”
BAM has also advised customers not to visit any bank service centre if they have symptoms of Covid- 19.
FDH Bank public relations officer Lorraine Lusinje earlier said the bank instituted a full Covid-19 response committee to monitor the situation to ensure customers’ safety.
She said: “We are encouraging the use of digital platforms to mitigate queuing and visitation to banking halls.
“We have also provided sanitisers, face masks and gloves to all our staff.”
In an earlier statement, National Bank of Malawi plc general manager Harold Jiya encouraged the use of digital payment platforms to ensure customers’ safety.
“Our Mo626 Ice, Mo626 Digital+ and BankNet 360 platforms will make it possible for customers to transact without handling hard cash or visiting a service centre,” he said.
Commercial banks have intensified Covid-19 preventive measures such as checking customers’ temperature, provision of water, hand-washing soap and sanitisers.
