By Jennifer Farnsworth
\nAs the Capital Region and North Country navigate their way through phases one and two of New York state\u2019s reopening, phases, questions remain as to what is considered open for business and what\u2019s not. Banks are no exception.
\nWith decisions being made on a company-by-company basis, and sometimes even a branch-by-branch basis, local banks are working to roll out a plans that both meet customer needs while and state safety guidelines.
\nAt NBT Bank, officials are evaluating conditions specific to each region and market. Customers are encouraged visit the company\u2019s website to learn about branch hours and service options, before visiting any location. Crystal DeStefano, president and director of public relations for Strategic Communications LLC, which works for NBT, said they will be implementing a number of new protocols to ensure safety for customers and employees.
\n\u201cThis includes the use of PPE, maintaining increased cleaning, and providing additional information directly to our customers in the coming days and weeks,\u201d said DeStefano.
\nCharles V. Wait, CEO and president of Adirondack Trust Co., said they are complying with guidance issued by the state\u2019s New York Forward plan. He said customers can expect to see floor markers for proper social distancing and plexiglass barriers at teller stations and customer service desks. The bank limits the number of customers inside the bank and requires employees and customers to wear face coverings. Hand sanitizer is available and there is consistent disinfecting of high-touch areas, such as countertops, ATMs and drive-thru drawers and canisters.
\n\u201cOur offices are cleaned daily, and drive-thru drawers and tubes are cleaned after each customers\u2019 use,\u201d said Wait.
\nBank hours at Adirondack Trust have remained the same since before the COVID-19 pandemic, however the company did have to restrict access to lobbies by requiring appointments. Wait said effective June 3, the lobbies reopened with no appointment needed. He said they have been able to utilize remote service when needed.
\n\u201cWe do use remote conferencing systems for mortgage closings as needed, and that is very helpful for our customers and staff, as well as those that work on mortgage closings, such as attorneys etc.,\u201d he said. \u201cWe have found that this works well but have also continued to offer in-person closings for those that request that service. However, we practice all necessary safeguards from limiting the number of people in the room to social distancing to requiring face coverings.\u201d
\nNBT has not yet determined if they are ready for walk-in lobby services. Like many banks, DeStefano said NBT Bank offers digital banking options, including technology for virtual conferences and self-service applications.
\n\u201cThese options have been available before and during the pandemic, and will continue to be available as our communities reopen,\u201d said DeStefano.
\nFor the most up to date information, visit adirondacktrust.com or nbtbank.com.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By Jennifer Farnsworth As the Capital Region and North Country navigate their way through phases one and two of New York state\u2019s reopening, phases, questions remain as to what is considered open for business and what\u2019s not. Banks are no exception. With decisions being made on a company-by-company basis, and sometimes even a branch-by-branch basis, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":196,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\r\n