Bank customers must wear masks at retail branches, says bank association

SINGAPORE — All customers visiting bank branches must wear a face mask and those not wearing one will be refused entry, The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) said on Tuesday (April 14). This protocol takes effect immediately. 

It is to safeguard the customers’ own health and well-being, and that of other customers and employees working on these premises, the association said in its media statement.

“Customers are also advised to wear a face mask when lining up to use ATMs,” the association added.         

It further advised customers to use their banks’ online, mobile and digital channels to access banking services during this period. 

“Unless absolutely necessary, customers should refrain from going to the branches.”

Banks in Singapore have put in place crowd management systems at their branches to ensure safe distancing between customers and staff members, ABS said.

Since the circuit breaker began last week, some banks have also closed some of their retail branches until May 4 as they are seeing lower customer traffic. 

This latest move comes after various government agencies announced over the weekend that shoppers must now wear masks when visiting supermarkets, wet markets, pharmacies and convenience stores and that commuters must do the same when using public transport.