Santander Brazil instituting modifications in their branch operations
In light of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Santander Brazil has announced a series of measures aimed at ensuring the safety of both its employees and customers. According to Sérgio Rial, chair of Santander Brazil, the bank's primary focus is the wellbeing of its 48,000 employees and the 26 million families it serves daily.
From March 24, 2020, Santander Brazil will reinforce its hygienisation and cleaning measures across all branches. Customer access will be managed in groups of 10 to 20 people to maintain social distancing. Branches will ensure a minimum safety distance of one meter between individuals.
Some branches in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro will be closed temporarily, with employees from these branches taking collective annual leaves of 15 days. After their leave, these employees will be alternated with other units to maintain service in these cities.
Operating hours for branches across the country will be reduced from 10.00 to 14.00. Branches with a higher number of pensioners or elderly customers may reserve a specific time slot (9.00 to 10.00) for these groups.
Santander Brazil is also offering a credit facility to corporate customers who decide to advance the payment of their employees' 13th salary. The bank has already advanced 100% of the extra pay to its own employees.
These measures are part of Santander Brazil's response to the coronavirus pandemic and are intended to minimize the spread of the virus. The bank encourages customers to use digital channels for their banking needs where possible to further reduce the risk of infection.
It is recommended that for the most current and detailed information on Santander Brazil’s branch status in São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, especially regarding COVID-19, one should consult official communications from Santander Brazil or local regulatory agencies, as there are no relevant updates in the provided sources.
- Santander Brazil's measures in response to the coronavirus pandemic extend to the banking-and-insurance industry, as they offer a credit facility to corporate customers who decide to advance the payment of their employees' 13th salary, a common practice in the business sector.
- Recognizing the importance of finance and the wellbeing of its 26 million families, Santander Brazil is also emphasizing hygienisation and social distancing in its finance and business operations, by reinforcing cleaning measures in all branches, managing customer access in groups, and ensuring a minimum safety distance of one meter between individuals.
