HSBC, Bank of China, and Hang Seng Bank shut branches to protect staff

HSBC, Bank of China and Hang Seng Bank announced they are temporarily closing scores of branches between them, as fears grow that the mainland's deadly virus outbreak could be spreading in the community here.

Bank of China announced that 49 branches would shut from Saturday, but, Ann Kung, deputy chief executive of BOCHK, said, more than 140 branches will be open.

Hang Seng Bank said from Saturday, its branches will only be open between 9:00am and noon. It added that it was looking at temporarily closing 28 branches and 3 business banking centres in phases by February 5.

HSBC said it will shut 24 branches across Hong Kong indefinitely from Monday, as fears grow that the mainland's deadly virus outbreak could be spreading in the community here. The bank said this will help protect the health and safety of its frontline workers.
HSBC said its customers can instead access banking services via the internet, telephone, and ATM machines.
The branches are in Causeway Bay, Mong Kok, Sha Tin and Sheung Shui.

Bank of East Asia (0023) also closes 20 branches from tomorrow.