Reopening Safely

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Covid-19 Reopening Suggestions

Whether we want it or not, its starting. The re-opening of America. Some credit unions are already open, others are in the planning stage and others are holding back waiting to make sure they get this right.

Our #1 goal with opening should be to open safely. Our #2 goal is to communicate to our members that we are opening safely. Not only do we have to have a smart and well thought out plan, but we need to communicate the plan to members so we are perceived as being safe.

Mother and daughter wearing masks druing the Covid-19 pandemic shopping for flowers

Issues to Address

We have put together a list of issues that each credit union should address as they create their new operating plans.

  1. We must enforce social distancing. We need to keep members 6 feet away from each other and 6 feet away from our employees.
    1. A poster with a “friendly” reminder is helpful. No member wants to be surprised or embarrassed about not following a credit union rule.
    2. Floor mats spaced every 6’ or even 8’ will help members remember to queue properly.
    3. Restricting the number of members in the lobby can also be a good tool. In this case, members must be able to queue up outside the building.
    4. Space the furniture in waiting rooms or remove 50% of the existing furniture.
  2. We must protect our employees and members with masks.
    1. I don’t know a single doctor or nurse that would treat a patient with Covid-19 without a mask. Employees should wear a mask when interacting with a member at their desk or a teller window. I know that in some conservative areas this will be more difficult. In these areas, providing a mask to the member and a friendly reminder may solve the problem. Otherwise, a plastic shield (sneeze guard) should be installed at each desk and teller window.
    2. A “friendly and clever” sign should be displayed encouraging and reminding members and employees of why they should be wearing a mask in public.
    3. My guess is that we will have new additional outbreaks. The public will increasing become more and more aware of the necessity of wearing a mask in areas where the virus is prevalent.
  3. We must insist on extraordinary cleanliness.
    1. Work surfaces should be cleaned between each member visit.
    2. Entrances should be cleaned often.
    3. I’m not an expert on furnace air filters but there is some debate about HVAC air filters. It’s always better safe than so follow experts who recommend upgrading to higher quality air filters. A MERV-16 for example. The filter is more likely to filter the virus but does not remove or kill it so replacing the filter regularly makes some sense.
    4. Furniture that can’t be wiped down such as fabric upholstery should be removed.
    5. Pens can’t be left laying around. Members should either use their own pen or a cleaned or new “logo’d” pen should be provided.
  4. We must be “touch free” as much as possible.
    1. When we have to exchange money, checks or other documents hands should be sanitized after every exchange. Hand sanitizer should be available at each work area and must be provided for a member to use before and after their visit.
    2. Do what you can to avoid members pushing buttons or touching signature pads, etc. If they must touch them, clean them immediately.
  5. Create Segregated Teams
    1. To avoid your entire staff from contacting a positive case resulting in the entire staff having to quarantine, divide your staff into teams. The teams could work every other day or in separate parts of the office. Segregating them is the important part to prevent an outbreak shutting down your entire operation.
  6. Online Meetings – Use Zoom when Meetings are Necessary
    1. Bringing management into a single room for a meeting makes no sense whatsoever.
    2. Hold necessary meetings online.
    3. Use the free version of Zoom and it’ll limit your meetings to 45 minutes. Another plus if it’s not your meeting.
  7. Segregate your most Vulnerable Employees
    1. Some staff should be encouraged to work from home if possible. Especially those over 60 or with underlying health conditions.

Summary

Finally, these are crazy times, but not unprecedented. We have had plenty of pandemics and plagues throughout history and there always seems to be a pattern of some people casting caution to the wind and paying the price with their life. Of course, we must inevitably get back to work. The loss of income can be as catastrophic as the virus. However, with a lot of ingenuity, thoughtful plans and diligent implementation, we can keep everyone safe!