Covid-19 Measures by SBP

We are ensuring that sufficient fresh or disinfected cash is supplied to banks and additional measures are being adopted to safeguard those directly involved in cash management and operations

In addition to the precautionary measures, social distancing SOPs/ guidelines already issued by the GoP/ WHO; banks are advised to mandatorily comply with the following operational guidelines, with immediate effect:

• The commercial bank/CIT interested in deposit/withdrawal of cash from SBP BSC shall coordinate with respective SBP BSC field office(s) and seek the time to visit the office for the purpose. The bank/CIT will be allowed access in the SBP BSC premises only at the time allocated to them.
• Commercial bank/CIT shall ensure minimum/efficient deployment of staff for cash deposit/ withdrawal from SBP BSC Offices, in order to mitigate spread of the COVID-19 virus.
• Wearing of face masks, latex gloves is mandatory for bank representatives / CIT staff entering SBP BSC premises. Similarly, while entering the bank's premises temperature screening of all such visitors shall be carried out by SBPs security officials.
• Commercial bank representatives / CIT staff exhibiting symptom(s) including but not limited to coughing, sneezing, fever etc; shall not be engaged in cash handling/storage/transportation. While screening at SBP BSC, if any of the bank /CIT staff exhibits any of the aforementioned symptoms, such individuals will not be allowed to enter SBP BSC office(s).
• Commercial bank representatives / CIT staff to ensure compliance of all preventive measures related to social distancing including guidelines issued by the Government of Pakistan and WHO, while present in SBP BSC premises.
• It should be ensured that banknote deposits (all denom) are shrink-wrapped in accordance with the Banknote Packing Instructions, as the same shall be disinfected before deposit in SBP BSC vault.
• Furthermore, commercial banks/CITs shall adopt similar practices / precautionary measures during interbank/intra-bank cash dealings.
• Commercial banks/CIT companies are encouraged to facilitate testing of all employees suspected of contracting COVID-19 to present the image of a socially responsible institution.

Earlier, recognizing the need for issuance of fit, authenticated and disinfected cash by the banks, detailed instructions were provided by SBP to ensure to clean, disinfect, seal and quarantine all cash being collected from hospitals and clinics and to block circulation of such cash in the market. The banks shall report daily collection of cash from hospitals to SBP, which shall credit bank's accounts for the amounts so quarantined by them. Further, arrangements are being made to provide sufficient fresh or disinfected cash to banks enabling them to issue fresh cash or the re-issuable cash that remained in quarantine for at least fifteen (15) days to their clients. Banks have been ensured that SBP has sufficient quantity of such cash, and it would meet all demands for such cash.