KATHMANDU: Amid the increasing risk of coronavirus infection, the banks have decided not to open their branches during the Dashain holiday season.
The banks, which had provided services even during the holidays last Dashain by opening a limited number of branches, have decided not to open any branch for five days this year.
According to Nepal Bankers’ Association (NBA), all the branches will be closed from Fulpati (October 23) to Ekadasi (October 27).
NBA President, Bhuvan Dahal, said that the risk of the coronavirus infection will further increased when only a limited number of branches are opened as there will be a crowd in the branches that open.
According to him, about 3,800 bank employees are currently infected. He said, “A majority of the bankers are already infected. So, a decision was made to close the branches for five days rather than taking any risk.”
Meanwhile, he also urged customers to develop the habit of doing business through the digital platform. NBA also mentioned that closing the branches will inculcate the habit of using digital banking among customers.