By the end of 2019, a new virus from the Corona family has emerged from Wuhan province and spread worldwide. Within few months hundreds of thousands of people got infected, confusing governments and threatening economies.
Despite the catastrophic damage this virus has caused at various levels, no one can deny that it has had unexpected positive repercussions as well; because of this virus, we have come to realize what is essential and important: our health, our family and our diet…
Pollution and carbon emissions decreased, and the planet began to recover and everyone realized that working from home is possible. We also recognized that health workers are the true heroes.
And just like any country around the world, this virus has reached Lebanon and infections have started to appear in some Lebanese regions, which sometimes led to panic. As a result, the Lebanese banking sector, like other sectors, had to adopt some flexible measures in order to face this imminent danger on one hand, and to continue providing the urgent banking services for clients and access to their money on another hand.
Since the first days of the crisis, and with the first cases of the new Corona virus registered in Lebanon, the AM bank took the necessary measures to ensure the safety of everyone, both employees and customers. Even before the declaration of a health emergency, we implemented a complete sterilization process for buildings, offices and branches, in addition to providing sterilization materials to employees and customers within the branches.
With the increase in the number of injuries and the decision to declare a state of health emergency, we adhered to the decisions of the Lebanese government and the Association of Banks in Lebanon, so we chose carefully to open a number of branches spread geographically to cover the largest possible area of Lebanese territory, and therefore we continued to serve our customers and secure urgent banking operations related to food security and medical supplies and Cards issuing and delivering. We have worked to fill in our ATMs systematically and periodically and ensured that they are always ready for service. In addition to that, we have made our online banking platform customer friendly, so that customers could conduct transactions, make inquiries and submit orders. Payment of domiciled salaries continued and coordination with the Central Bank didn’t stop with regards to clearing services.
AM Bank gave high priority to its employees’ safety as well as clients visiting the bank’s branches. Instructive boards with important preventive measures were installed within branches in addition to disinfectants. Moreover, the bank was keen to secure protective clothing that covers the entire body worn by employees and plastic insulator were installed on the counters to protect those in the branch. Add to that, part of the social distancing measures, only a certain number of clients were allowed to enter a branch at the same.
AM Bank has never lost contact with its customers and we have been keen to stand beside our larger family (clients) at this precise time. Our customer service center is ready around the clock to receive calls, answer questions and fulfill requests in the best way possible. On social media, triggered by our social responsibility, we made sure to spread awareness, prevention and positivity, and were always available to answer customer inquiries.
Despite commitment to a health emergency, AM Bank employees have acted responsibly to ensure business continuity and provide the necessary banking services. The bank has implemented a deliberate shift system that guarantees the safety of both employees and the smooth running of work. As for departments that can work remotely, they continue to function normally from home.
In conclusion, there is no doubt that life after the Coronavirus will not be the same as before, this pandemic has taught highlighted the fragility of our lifestyles and systems. It has also emphasized the importance of flexibility for institutions and individuals in order to adapt to any situation that may arise. We are convinced that surviving in this ever-changing world will.
