Longer bank queues as Covid-hit branches close

Long queues for counter services at a bank has been spotted in Taikoo Shing as many branches have closed amid the fifth wave.

As confirmed cases grew by the tens of thousands and reached new heights for three consecutive days, Tao Heung Group said it will close all its restaurants starting today until further notice.

At a Standard Chartered branch in Tai Koo yesterday, the queue of dozens spilled outside and stretched for another 10 meters.

People were queuing for the bank's counter services, either to withdraw cash or make other banking transactions, after major banks closed some branches and shortened opening hours due to the worsening pandemic situation.

A Taikoo Shing resident said it was the longest queue to the bank he has ever seen.

"I thought it was a bank run," he said jokingly.

This was after multiple bank branches were temporarily closed until further notice after employees tested preliminary positive. Bank of China (Hong Kong) announced that 31 out of its around 190 branches will suspend service while one of the automated banking centers in North Point will be closed for disinfection.

Hang Seng Bank has temporarily closed seven branches - including the Kowloon main branch - since yesterday until further notice but reopened 22 branches closed last week due to employees being infected.

The bank has already closed five of its branches in universities, 11 MTR stations and two mobile banks since the beginning of the fifth wave.

HSBC has suspended services in at least 33 of its 100 branches.

Standard Chartered, with 70 outlets in Hong Kong, has closed around 40 branches.

Bank of East Asia closed 14 branches starting this week.

That will add to approximately 200 bank branches across the SAR closed due to Covid.

Most banks have also shortened their opening hours by closing early at 4pm.

Meanwhile, Chinese restaurant chain Tao Heung Group will close all of its more than 60 restaurants, except Tai Cheong Bakery outlets.

The group wrote on Facebook that it will suspend operations at all its restaurants starting today until the pandemic eases in order to protect customers and employees.

The group is the latest to join leading fast-food chain Cafe de Coral Group and catering company LH Group after the latter shifted to takeaways-only starting today. The same goes for congee restaurant Super Super Congee and Noodles.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com