Today, RBC Royal Bank (RY on TSX and NYSE) (“RBC”) announced plans to temporarily close select branches in four Caribbean countries due to the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic.

To protect the health and well-being of employees, clients, and communities, RBC is encouraging clients to limit in-branch interactions by performing day-to-day banking transactions through RBC’s online platform, mobile app, or ATM network. Clients can also call RBC’s Client Advice Centre locations across the region for assistance from an RBC representative.

Effective Wednesday, March 25, 2020, the following RBC Royal Bank branches in Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas, and Grenada will temporarily close:
* Trincity, Marabella, and Point Lisas (Trinidad and Tobago)
* Main Branch (incl. RBC FINCO) and Mackey Street (The Bahamas)
* True Blue (Grenada)

Effective Thursday, March 26, 2020, the following RBC Royal Bank branches in Barbados will temporarily close:

RBC is also adjusting the hours and days of business in most other branches across the Caribbean to better promote social distancing while still remaining available for clients’ immediate banking needs. Updated service hours are being posted directly in branches and will be reflected online through the Caribbean branch locator tool. Additionally, effective Saturday, March 28, RBC is temporarily suspending Saturday banking hours in all branches in all jurisdictions which offer that service.

RBC employees who work at the branches identified for temporary closure will continue to support our operations by being redeployed to nearby branches, supporting clients over the phone from other locations, fulfilling back-office functions, or working on other projects.

“Developments related to COVID-19 are happening at an incredibly rapid pace,” said Rob Johnston, Head of Caribbean Banking, Royal Bank of Canada. “We are making these tough-but-necessary decisions to not only protect clients and employees, but to also do our part to help “flatten the curve” and reduce the spread of this coronavirus.”
“The health and safety of everyone who enters our branches is our top priority,” added Johnston. “At RBC, we are continuing to promote social distancing measures, we are vigorously cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing our locations daily, and we are encouraging employees who are able to work from home to do so for the time being.”
“We are all in this together and we all must do our part,” said Johnston. “If you’re feeling unwell, please stay home. If you’re unsure of what to do, listen to local health authorities, practice social distancing, and follow the rules and guidelines put out by governments across the region. RBC has a long history of standing by Caribbean clients through challenging times and this commitment will continue throughout this crisis and beyond.”