Windward Islands Bank (WIB) on Friday addressed rumours that one of its staffers had contracted the coronavirus COVID-19. In photo: A scene outside WIB on Friday.
PHILIPSBURG--Windward Islands Bank (WIB) on Friday addressed rumours that one of its staffers had contracted the coronavirus COVID-19.
WIB General Managing Director Derek Downes said in a press statement late Friday that there is a rumour circulating that a WIB staff member had contracted the coronavirus. “The bank wishes to make it clear that at no time has it been brought to the bank’s attention that any staff member has contracted the coronavirus,” Downes said in the statement.
“From the announcement of the coronavirus outbreak, WIB implemented a safety protocol whereby immediate action is to be taken should any staff report any of the symptoms of COVID-19. This includes closure of the branch and requesting all staff from that branch to remain at home until further notice.”
Downes said this has been the case with WIB’s Bush Road branch. Its branches in Simpson Bay and on A.Th. Illidge Road were closed because of staff shortages due to the closure of schools. WIB’s Philipsburg branch is currently the only location providing service to customers.
“While we will continue to provide service to our customers from this branch, we remind and encourage them to use our online banking platforms and ATM [automatic teller machine – Ed.] services as much as possible. We also remind and kindly request all our customers using the branch to observe all health and social distancing measures, for the safety of all.”
He said that, as an essential business, banks are required to remain open and provide financial services to their clientele. “With the coronavirus pandemic, as the health of our staff, the protection of our customers and the public are paramount, the Windward Islands Bank has ensured that measures were taken to ensure the safety of all, including staff, maintain operational effectiveness and provide continued customer service during these difficult times.”
Downes said WIB is fully cognisant of the important role it plays in the community and has done and will continue to do all within its ability to provide a safe environment for staff and customers to conduct their banking affairs.
“These are times where all of us need to follow the proven health care and social distancing instructions and adjust our actions to keep ourselves and those around us healthy and safe. Let’s practise as much as we can to stay home and save lives,” he said.
