COVID-19: Banks Open, Defy Social Distancing Rule

Banks in Lagos generally opened for business on Monday but with many of them not ensuring that their customers kept to the physical distancing rule set by the authorities.

Ekohotblog recalls that the Lagos State Government while giving guidelines for the residents of the state to adhere to during the gradual easing of the lockdown imposed because of the raging COVID-19, had insisted that banks should ensure that social distancing measures be adhered to.

A statement issued by the state government had said: “We understand the important roles Banks and Financial Institutions play in our economy, and for this reason they are highly encouraged to open their branches and offer their full complement of services to the general public, provided the following directives listed below are strictly adhered to: All Banks and Financial Institutions are to observe the operational working hours of 9am to 3pm.

“Banks are to ensure a 2-meter (6 feet) distancing measure is maintained in all common areas; and at all service and customer facing desks.

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“Ensure regular cleaning and decontamination of their various ATM machines.

“Banks are to observe temperature checks, hand sanitizing protocols as well as the use of face masks for staff and customers.

“Banks are to maintain a 60% occupancy limit in all office rooms within their buildings; and no more than 50% of the elevator capacity in the building shall be utilised.”

Unfortunately, Ekohotblog fact checks showed that the banks breached the directive of the Lagos State Government.

At First Bank, Ikotun, it was observed that no one was allowed into the banking all as the staff attended to customers outside the bank building. The place was crowded as no attention was paid to ensuring social distancing.

A similar scenario played out at branches of banks like Access Bank, GTB, along Akowojo, Ikotun road.

Something definitely needs to be done as soon as possible so lives would not be endangered.