Singapore Banks Refuse Entry to Customers Without Masks
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As the number of unlinked Covid-19 cases in Singapore continues to climb, ABS is advising customers of the additional measures taken by the banks to reduce the risk of transmission.
The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) on Tuesday announced that all customers who do not wear face masks when visiting bank branches will be refused entry, and has advised customers to wear a face mask when lining up to use ATMs.
These measures were adopted in light of the elevated safe distancing measures announced by the Ministry of Health. Banks have also put in place crowd management systems at their branches to ensure safe distancing between customers and staff, and have increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfection of their branches, ABS noted in a circular.
The use of face masks was previously discouraged by the Singapore government, but its position on the matter changed with evidence that an asymptomatic person can still pass on the virus to others. Addressing the public on 3 April, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to «keep your droplets to yourself.»
Banks across Singapore have closed up to half of their branches due to the reduced traffic as a result of enhanced social distancing measures. Non-essential businesses have been ordered to close, and all companies have been instructed to transition to working from home.
At the same time, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) affirmed that financial services would remain open and available to all customers and counterparties in Singapore and globally.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which body announced the new policy regarding face masks in Singaporean bank branches?
Which body announced the new policy regarding face masks in Singaporean bank branches?
The Association of Banks in Singapore (ABS) announced that customers without face masks would be refused entry to bank branches. They also advised customers to wear masks when queuing for ATMs.
Q.What other measures have banks implemented to reduce transmission risk at their branches?
What other measures have banks implemented to reduce transmission risk at their branches?
Banks have introduced crowd management systems to ensure safe distancing between people. They have also increased the frequency of cleaning and disinfection across all their branches.
Q.Why did the Singapore government change its stance on wearing face masks?
Why did the Singapore government change its stance on wearing face masks?
The government's position changed due to new evidence. This evidence suggested that even asymptomatic individuals could transmit the virus to others, prompting the policy shift.
Q.Have banking services remained available despite the enhanced distancing measures?
Have banking services remained available despite the enhanced distancing measures?
Yes, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) confirmed that financial services would continue to be open and accessible. This applies to all customers and counterparties within Singapore and globally.
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