Banks on High Alert Managing Daegu and Gyeongbuk Branches Amid COVID-19 Fear

On the afternoon of the 20th, health officials from Nam-gu Public Health Center are conducting disinfection near the Shincheonji Daegu Church in Daemyeong-dong, Nam-gu, Daegu. (Source=Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyo-jin] As fear of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) spreads in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions, major banks are on high alert in managing their branches. NH Nonghyup Bank has closed some branches in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk areas due to a staff member testing positive for COVID-19, and other banks are also preparing various emergency measures, including the possibility of temporary closures.

According to the banking sector on the 21st, Shinhan Bank distributed a five-stage scenario plan for different situations to all branches nationwide the day before, enabling immediate response as needed. Additionally, they designated nearby matching branches to minimize operational disruptions in case of branch closures.

Hana Bank has also established a plan to operate alternative business locations in preparation for branch closures. A Hana Bank official stated, "Considering the spread of COVID-19 in the affected areas, we have prepared various emergency plans," adding, "We are devising additional measures to protect customers' safety and minimize inconvenience."

Other major banks are also preparing various countermeasures assuming temporary closures. A bank official explained, "We judged that the number of customers visiting branches has significantly decreased, so it is not yet at the stage to decide on closures," but added, "We will monitor the situation with the possibility of closing branches in principle."

Banks are also putting full effort into disinfection work. Shinhan Bank has been conducting sterilization and disinfection at all branches in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions since the day before. KB Kookmin Bank and Woori Bank have either completed or are in the process of urgent disinfection.

Meanwhile, NH Nonghyup Bank closed the Dalseong-gun branch and the Duryu, Seongdang, and Chilseong-dong branches in Daegu between the 19th and 20th. The bank explained that this action was taken because a confirmed case was found among employees at the Dalseong-gun branch, and there were staff members who had contact with the confirmed case.

NH Nonghyup Bank simultaneously placed 63 employees who had contact with the confirmed case or were at risk of infection under self-quarantine. The bank is conducting additional emergency disinfection at all branches in the Daegu area and plans to supply 7,000 masks to the Daegu and Gyeongbuk regions.