The Bank of Guyana has approved the amendment to decrease banking hours, as the fight against COVID-19 continues to prevent further spread.
The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry
In a notice, the Central Bank indicated that the new opening hours have changed to 08:00h to 12:00h until April 3, 2020. However, there is the possibility of this temporary measure being extended for a longer period of time.
Republic Bank
It is viewed as one of the precautionary measures to protect staff and customers from the virus. Institutions which will be subjected to an earlier closure include Scotiabank, the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI), Citizens Bank, the Demerara Bank, New Building Society (NBS), Hand-in-Hand Trust, Bank of Baroda and Guyana Americas Merchant Bank.
Meanwhile, GBTI has indicated that from today, March 24, the withdrawal limit at their Automated Teller Machines (ATM) has increased to $150,000.
In light of the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Guyana Association of Bankers Inc (GABI) last Tuesday encouraged customers of the various financial institutions to utilise online and mobile banking to conduct their businesses.
Demerara Bank
The Association in a statement stated that it has been closely monitoring the developments surrounding the virus and its priority is the health and safety of employees, customers, and communities.
“The banks have incorporated added precautionary measures including enhanced hygiene protocols. We have increased the frequency of cleaning, with daily disinfections of our retail branches and ATMs…Our mobile and online banking application are safe and available 24/7.”
On March 11, 2020, Guyana recorded its first case of the COVID-19 which saw the demise of an East Coast Demerara resident who had returned from the United States. Four of her family members have since tested positive and have been quarantined.
