(Mat Barrett/northeastNOW Staff)
Affinity Changes

Affinity Credit Union to close doors to public due to COVID-19

Mar 30, 2020 | 10:06 AM

Another local credit union is making changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Affinity Credit Union is closing 47 branches across Saskatchewan to public traffic due to the virus, just days after Cornerstone Credit Union chose to do the same thing.

Nine Affinity advice centres in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, and Estevan will have their doors open, but the credit union urges people not to visit unless necessary.

The move to close the doors at the 47 branches comes after the financial institution had previously reduced hours at their advice centres.

“We’ll have our employees working from the centres but we’ll actually be leaving the entry doors locked and encouraging members to call us ahead to discuss their need,” CEO Mark Lane told northeastNOW.

Lane said there are other options for members as well, including online banking.

He said the credit union recognizes their to provide essential services to their members, but they felt it was important to do more to curb the possibility of COVID-19 in the community.

The decision to close was also made in part to ensure the safety of their staff.

“The aggregate health of our employee team here at Affinity is of our utmost importance and concern,” Lane said. About 25 per cent of Affinity’s workforce is now working from home.

Lane said they have boosted cleaning measures at their locations, and social and physical distancing is being practiced as well.

Affinity has branches in several local communities, including Melfort, Kinistino, St. Brieux, Birch Hills, Lake Lenore, Hudson Bay, and Muenster.

cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974

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