The Hatton National Bank confirmed that the parent of an HNB staff member has tested positive for COVID-19.

Issuing a statement, the bank said. "HNB confirms that a parent of a staff member of the Kollupitiya Branch has tested positive for COVID-19.

As a precautionary measure HNB has immediately closed the branch and has instructed the entire staff of the branch to enter into self-quarantine. Meanwhile, all operations of this particular branch have been shut down for a period of 14 days and due disinfection processes are being carried out.

In the interim customers of Kollupitiya branch can use any other HNB branch in the vicinity for their urgent banking needs. Moreover, customers are strongly encouraged to utilise HNB’s digital banking channels to conduct their transactions during this time of pandemic. Further measures may be taken depending on how the situation evolves, and based on the recommendations of medical authorities.

We wish to assure our customers, staff and the general public that whilst providing essential services in compliance with Central Bank regulations, HNB PLC is also fully complying with all stipulated health and safety measures prescribed by the National Health Authorities at all times, and we shall continue to monitor the situation carefully.

The health and safety of our staff and our customers remains HNB’s number one priority. Given that the banking sector has been categorized as an essential service, all other operations at the bank will continue as they have done since the outbreak of the COIVD-19 pandemic.

Stringent staff guidelines have been issued and are being monitored to ensure that employees maintain strict hygiene standards, limit social interactions and travel to what is absolutely necessary. HNB will continue to monitor and protect staff and customers from the pandemic."