GABI urges customers to utilise online, mobile banking

Coronavirus outbreak

In light of the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Guyana Association of Bankers Inc (GABI) on Tuesday encouraged customers of the various financial institutions to utilise online and mobile banking to conduct their businesses.
The Association in a statement to the media on Tuesday 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.
“Customers are encouraged to utilise online and mobile banking to monitor the accounts…Additional facilities such as ATM services, debit, and credit card, night depositary, and drive-thru, where available can use an alternative,” the association urged.
GABI further urged staff and customers to adhere to the hygiene practices advocated by the Public Health Ministry and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to minimise the risk of contracting and/or spreading the virus.
“Our members are focused on limiting the spread of the virus by taking precautionary and proactive measures to keep our customers safe during the outbreak,” the release stated.
With persons being urged to utilise the online services, GABI said that they anticipate extremely high enquires on phone lines.
“We anticipate your patience, and to help to resolve some of your inquiries and providing wherewith FAQ to answer some commonly asked questions”, they said.
To further protect staff and customers, the association said that they are monitoring the situation through international and local authorities.
“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. In event of a bank/branch closure, a notice will be posted at the branch along with public communication through various mediums…Our mobile and online banking application are safe and available 24/7.”
In the event of someone having a question about any of the online services, the association is encouraging that a customer care representative and/or an account officer be contacted.
On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, Guyana recorded its first case of the COVID-19 which saw the demise of an East Coast Demerara resident who had recently returned from the US.
The Public Health Ministry subsequently reported that three additional cases were detected. Those persons are reportedly relatives of the now dead woman. They have been quarantined and placed in isolation.