April 20: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has directed banks and financial institutions (BFIs) to provide uninterrupted service by adopting safety measures against the second wave of Covid-19 infection. The central bank issued a notice on Monday, April 19, instructing banks to be cautious about the spreading of infection.

NRB has directed the banks to follow the health safety protocols of issued by the Government of Nepal and the World Health Organization to reduce the risk of virus transmission among bank employees and customers. The central bank has asked the BFIs to provide service to the customers by being cautious and maintaining physical distance. The central bank has suggested BFIs to provide electronic service as much as possible.

Banks also have been requested to provide sanitizers and tissue paper at ATMs and maintain proper ventilation to reduce the risk of infection from their ATM booths.

Likewise, NRB has directed the banks to ensure physical distance and conduct programs such as meetings, seminars, and training virtually. NRB also suggests taking measures such as remote access, work from home, working in shifts as per the need.

NRB has also directed banks to update their contingency plan with a detailed action plan. The central bank has urged BFIs to follow the previous instructions on health protocol.