Fear Spreads from 'Sinjong Corona'... KB Kookmin Bank Requires All Employees to Wear Masks

[Asia Economy Reporter Kangwook Cho] As concerns over the novel coronavirus infection (Wuhan Pneumonia) spread, the banking sector has also begun preparing emergency measures. KB Kookmin Bank decided to operate an Emergency Response Committee and a Comprehensive Situation Room, requiring all employees at branches to wear masks and providing masks to visiting customers as well.

According to the financial sector on the 28th, Kookmin Bank established an emergency response committee and a comprehensive situation room related to the novel coronavirus and began formulating an emergency personnel operation plan.

First, Kookmin Bank mandated that all branch employees wear masks, placed hand sanitizers in customer areas, and instructed staff to inform customers about them. The bank also plans to purchase masks to provide to customers visiting branches. It has already sent notification emails to all employees advising them to refrain from group activities, and has strengthened vigilance at branches near airports or currency exchange centers where foreign tourists may gather.

Additionally, overseas branches held emergency inspection meetings and activated emergency communication systems. Visits to areas near Wuhan city are prohibited, and participation in events in China is discouraged. Kookmin Bank operates one local corporation in China and five branches in Beijing, Guangzhou, Harbin, Suzhou, and Shanghai.

A Kookmin Bank official stated, "Since there are no branches in the Wuhan area of China, we do not expect significant risk," but added, "We will monitor infection status among employees stationed in China and their families, as well as continuously check and monitor the market impact caused by the coronavirus."