The Tribune

Scotiabank (Bahamas) has been forced to close two Nassau branches within 24 hours after staff members tested positive for COVID-19.

The bank, in a statement, said its Thompson Boulevard branch will be closed to customers for the next two weeks after it was informed on Thursday of a staff member's positive test. The move came less than 24 hours after it closed its Carmichael Road branch for a similar reason.

“Like all of The Bahamas, our operations continue to be affected by the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis. Regrettably, we have had to close another branch today. Nonetheless, we remain committed to serving our customers via our other branches and customer channels to minimise any disruptions caused by this closure,” said Roger Archer, Scotiabank Bahamas' managing director.

“We take this opportunity to urge everyone to remain vigilant and to follow the advice of the Government with regard to the recommended protocols for controlling the spread of COVID-19. We also must reinforce the need for both our retail and business customers to register for online banking so that they can access a wide array of banking services remotely."

Customers who require in-branch services during the closure were directed to Scotiabank's other branches. Its Nassau Main, Palmdale, Paradise Island and Wulff & Jerome Avenue locations are currently operating cashless.

“Our ATM machines at the Thompson Boulevard branch will be operational for loan payments and other services excluding ATM deposits. However, over time, cash withdrawals may be affected. Night deposits will also be unavailable at the branch until operations return to normal,” Mr Archer said.

The tentative date for reopening of the Thompson Boulevard branch is Tuesday, October 27, 2020.