ROCKVILLE, Md.–A credit union with members on the frontline of the fight against the coronavirus has announced a number of changes at its facilities. It is among many CUs across the country that have also announced branch closures, changes in hours, new procedures at their facilities, and more.
The $670-million National Institutes of Health FCU (NIHFCU) in Maryland has informed its members of numerous changes, including the closure of one office at an NIH facility until further notice. That facility does have an exterior-facing ITM.
Meanwhile, NIHFCU said access to its other branches will be restricted to no more than two individuals at any one time.
“Family members (excluding infants) who are not transacting business will be required to wait outside the facility,” the credit union said. “Members are welcome to wait for service from outside the branch. An NIHFCU representative with a sign-in sheet will be made available and members will be allowed to enter the branch upon their name being called.
In addition, NIHFCU said at its Rockville Metro Plaza, NIH-Clinical Center and Pennsylvania Avenue branches, transactions will be performed by staff from behind the glass-enclosed teller-counter only. At its Fishers Lane, NCI, Silver Spring and Sibley Hospital branches, members can make an appointment with the on-location NIHFCU representative to secure a specific time slot if necessary
NIHFCU urged its nearly 42,000 members to use its online services.
Drive-Through Only
In Colorado, Ent CU said until further notice it is temporarily shifting to drive-up service only at all locations equipped with drive-throughs. The CU said it made the move to keep everyone safe, and that staff will sanitize their hands between transactions and clean the tubes with disinfecting wipes as well. Members are also being urged to sanitize their hands before and after using the drive-up.
“We remain committed to doing the right thing for the health of our members, our employees and our community during the coronavirus pandemic,” said Ent CEO Chad Graves, who further urged members to use the CU’s electronic channels.
Ent said it has equipped hundreds of employees to work from home, that everyone is being paid, and that regardless of whether they are working from home, or are unable to work from home due to their role or if ill, Ent employees will not have to use their sick/vacation time.
“Meanwhile, those whose role requires working on site will be practicing social distancing, using video conferencing and instant messaging and scrupulously cleaning work areas along with other processes,” the credit union said.
Other Branch Closures, Changes
Separately, credit unions across the country have announced branch closures or limited hours in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Among the CUs announcing changes to members:
- Cal State LA FCU issued a statement that its branches remain open and this it has “enhanced our cleaning procedures and are taking steps to minimize the health risks to our employees and members.”
- Similarly, OnPoint Community CU said it also remains open and has “increased our cleaning measures” and is encouraging “employees to frequently disinfect their workstations and high-touch areas within our facilities.”
- The Golden 1 CU said it has shut two branches on college campuses, at Fresno State and the University of California-San Francisco, and had also temporarily closed its Oakland branch.
- In Ohio, Wright Patt CU said its member centers have been practicing social distancing to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. “The number of members in each building at one time will be limited. Please use drive-thru services for cash transactions,” the credit union said.
- In South Carolina, Greenwood Municipal FCU, Neighbors United FCU and Abbeville Community FCU have both closed their lobbies and are directing members to use their drive-thru service as well as online banking, according to the Index Journal, which said three banks in the same market have not followed suit and have left their lobbies open.
- In Manchester, N.H., America’s Credit Union Museum said it has closed to the public indefinitely. It said it will be working to update its online presence while it remains close.
- San Mateo Credit Union in California said it has temporarily closed three branches and reallocated staff among its facilities.
- In Eau Claire, Wis., Royal CU has closed its lobbies until further notice. Drive-ups will remain open, the CU said.
Vizo Offering Webinar
Vizo Financial Corporate Credit Union is hosting a webinar on Thursday on how credit unions can best respond to the coronavirus COVID-19.
“We believe this session will provide lots of great information that you might find useful and relevant to the current situation,” Vizo Financial said. “From sick staff and IT systems to fluctuating financial markets and the need to maintain critical functions, FIs need to consider how COVID-19 will impact each major department and business line.”
The webinar will begin at 2 p.m.