CBK directs local banks to take measures against coronavirus

KUWAIT, Feb 27 (KUNA) -- The Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) has directed all local banks to take preventive measures so as to face the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, to protect employees and customers through providing sterilization materials and facemasks as well as all required preventive equipment.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the bank stressed its keenness on the safety of all workers and customers in the banking sector.
The bank also affirmed working on integration with all efforts made by all concerned bodies in Kuwait to face the virus and prevent its spread, the statement noted.
It asked the banks to provide all preventive equipment, mouth-masks and sterilization materials at all locations of automated teller machines (ATMs), and direct all customers to use them necessarily before and after using the ATMs, it pointed out.
All local banks must urge their customers to benefit from e-channels through the applications of smartphones or e-location to achieve transactions without going to braches, if not necessary, it stated.
The banks also are asked to appeal to their customers to use bankcards instead of banknotes, according to the statement.
In addition, the CBK called on the banks to write awareness messages on means of protection instructed by the Ministry of Health through its accounts on social media and other channels so as to target the largest segment of customers, the statement concluded. (end) mfs.kda.hm