Lineups outside banks just part of pandemic’s effect
Resident Jean Wilson was one of several people standing in a line outside Conexus Credit Union recently, attempting to do her banking while adjusting to changes caused by the coronavirus.
This was Wilson’s second time visiting the bank — but her first time standing in line — since the institution made major changes to how it functions during the pandemic. During her first visit, she performed her business smoothly since no one else was ahead of her. Normally she would speak to a teller, but a bank employee had to show her how to use the automated teller machine (ATM) to make deposits and withdrawals.
Before the coronavirus changed everything, Wilson didn’t have to wait to bank when she visited since everything was “usually pretty quick, very quick.” However, on April 7, she had to stand in a line for a few minutes waiting to use the ATM. “We’re lucky they do this for us,” she added. “It’s fine with me. I’m OK with it.” Gone are the days — for now — of waltzing into the Conexus Credit Union to do business regularly. Residents are actively being discouraged from even visiting; if they have to attend, they must wait outside in a line for an ATM or teller to become available. Users must stand two metres away from each other, while Plexiglas shields have been installed to protect tellers. Bank employees — dressed in orange vests — stand at both entrances, encouraging users to bank online if possible. If that’s not possible, then they manage the lineup and ensure only one person goes inside each time. They also wipe down every surface after someone has used the machines or visited a teller. Similar to most banks, Conexus has also reduced its hours and limited who can go inside.
Provincial health officials have told everyone to stay inside and go out only to do essential things, so the bank has attempted to respond to that mandate with these changes, explained Conexus CEO Eric
Dillon. The good news, though, is banking has changed drastically during the last few years and most financial activities can be done in other ways. “Whether it’s staffing up at our call centre … just making sure we can serve people remotely so they don’t have to put themselves or others at risk by going out,” he said.
Conexus’ preference would be for people not to visit at all. For those who can’t bank digitally, bank employees will attempt to help residents at the ATM as much as possible, for such actions as depositing a cheque to protect both members and staff. “People are all very aware of the circumstances we’re all in in terms of fighting the pandemic of the coronavirus,” Dillon said. “I think most people are very understanding (and) are very appreciative that we’ve taken extra steps to protect them.” “It is incumbent that if people don’t have to go out, that they don’t.” Another resident who is still becoming used to the changes is Mavis Evans, who came to the bank with her grandson. Evans normally visits Conexus every two weeks to bank, she explained, but had not been there since March 19 and did not realize what changes were in place. “You have to learn to use new stuff,” she said. For her, that meant learning how to deposit a cheque into the ATM. However, since she forgot to bring her debit card she couldn’t do that and would have to come back.
“They should have closed the border quicker,” she added with a smile, before walking away with her grandson.