Banks Close Branches, Suspend Saturday Services

Bank of China (Hong Kong), HSBC and Standard Chartered have announced that their branches will no longer provide services on Saturdays in light of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Standard Chartered said its branches will be closed from this Saturday until further notice.

BOC (Hong Kong) and HSBC said they will suspend Saturday services from March 5.

BOC (Hong Kong) also announced that services at more than 100 branches across Hong Kong had been suspended until further notice.

The bank added that the remaining operating outlets will be running from 9am to 4pm during weekdays.

HSBC said in a statement it has balanced the community's need for normal banking services and the protection of its employees and customers.

The bank is also shutting about a dozen outlets temporarily for disinfection after some staff members tested positive for the coronavirus.

The suspended branches are located across the city, including Central, Causeway Bay, Mong Kok, Kwai Fong and Sai Kung.

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