HSBC Reopens Hong Kong Headquarters
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HSBC has reopened its main Hong Kong office but is only advising critical staff to come in for work, according to an internal memo.
Precautionary measures – such as wearing masks, pre-entry temperature screening, hand sanitizers, spaced queuing and portable acrylic screens at open banking counters – will continue to be in place, according to a statement from the bank, adding that it conducted deep cleaning and disinfection last week.
The bank closed the office last week following a recent outbreak in a local gym popularly frequented by expatriates. Visitors who stayed within the building for over two hours between March 3 and 16 were required to undergo coronavirus tests.
The gym-linked cluster has resulted in nearly 150 cases and has prompted other financial firms, including Goldman Sachs and UBS, to encourage more work-from-home measures.
Questions & Answers
Q.Are all HSBC staff members now expected to return to the Hong Kong office?
Are all HSBC staff members now expected to return to the Hong Kong office?
No, the bank is currently only advising critical staff to come in for work. Other staff members are likely still working remotely, or their return is not yet mandated by the internal memo.
Q.What specific safety measures has HSBC put in place at its Hong Kong headquarters?
What specific safety measures has HSBC put in place at its Hong Kong headquarters?
Precautionary measures include mandatory mask-wearing, pre-entry temperature screening, hand sanitizers, spaced queuing, and portable acrylic screens at banking counters. Deep cleaning and disinfection were also conducted last week.
Q.Why did HSBC close its Hong Kong office last week?
Why did HSBC close its Hong Kong office last week?
HSBC closed its office following a recent outbreak in a local gym, which is popularly frequented by expatriates. This cluster has led to nearly 150 coronavirus cases in total.
Q.Were any specific individuals required to be tested for coronavirus following the closure?
Were any specific individuals required to be tested for coronavirus following the closure?
Yes, visitors who stayed within the building for over two hours between March 3 and 16 were required to undergo coronavirus tests, presumably as a precautionary measure linked to the outbreak.
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