A sense of fear looms large among bank employees following the spurt in the number of Covid-positive cases in recent weeks. On Friday alone, 19 employees of Bank of India tested positive. A district surveillance team also collected 50 samples from Bank of Baroda premises and its staff colony for RTPCR test. In the last four days 1160 people have been tested positive. 

The recovery rate from the deadly disease might have improved significantly but its wide outbreak, but fear has gripped bankers about workplace safety.

Less than a week back, 20 employees of State Bank of India were tested positive. Several ATMs also remained closed due to shortage of staff.

An official of the United Forum of Banking Union conceded that bank employees were becoming more vulnerable to the disease.

“We have to deal with customers daily and live under fear. Though the premises are sanitized but still cases of corona are being reported every day. Even branches in containment zones continue to function, while the rest in the area are not permitted to move out. The government should consider reducing the working hours and making it a five-day week,” said the official.

Bankers said that the footfall at branches was on the rise, with customers walking in to update pass books and other menial jobs. “Though banks offer internet banking services there are still several customers who are friendly with net banking. They visit our branches all over the city. There are several industrial labourers who visit banks for their daily work. We are following social distancing norms but sill cases are on the rise,” said a bank employee.