State Bank of Pakistan has directed commercial banks to test all employees suspected of contracting COVID-19 to present the image of a socially responsible institution.
In light of the emerging situation i.e. rapid spread of COVID-19 in the country, the central bank has issued fresh instructions to commercial banks to enforce additional measures, in order to safeguard officials who are directly involved in cash management and operations.
Commercial banks’ representatives/CIT staff exhibiting symptom(s) including but not limited to coughing, sneezing, fever, etc; shall not be engaged in cash handling/storage/transportation. While screening at SBP BSC, if any of the bank/CIT staff exhibits these symptoms, such individuals will not be allowed to enter SBP BSC office(s).
Commercial bank/CIT shall ensure minimum/efficient deployment of staff for cash deposit/withdrawal from SBP BSC Offices, in order to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Wearing of face masks, latex gloves is mandatory for bank representatives/CIT staff entering SBP BSC premises.
Similarly, while entering the bank’s premises, temperature screening of all visitors shall be carried out by SBPs’ security officials.
The commercial bank/CIT interested in deposit/withdrawal of cash from SBP BSC shall coordinate with respective SBP BSC field office(s) and seek the time to visit the office for the purpose. The bank/CIT will be allowed access to the SBP BSC premises only at the time allocated to them.
The central bank directed commercial banks to adopt practices precautionary measures during interbank/intra-bank cash dealings.
It should be ensured that banknote deposits (all denominations) are shrink-wrapped in accordance with the Banknote Packing Instructions, as they shall be disinfected before deposit in SBP BSC vault.
The commercial bank/CIT interested in deposit/withdrawal of cash from SBP BSC shall coordinate with respective SBP BSC field office(s) and seek the time to visit the office for the purpose. The bank/CIT will be allowed access in the SBP BSC premises only at the time allocated to them, SBP circular stated.
