Bank of Valletta is introducing a minimum cash withdrawal amount of €500 from its branch outlets to help contain the spread of COVID-19.

The measure comes into effect on Monday, March 23.

Customers who wish to withdraw less than €500 in one go will still be able to do so from the bank's network of ATMs. The €500 minimum will not apply to people who hold less than that amount in their bank account, BOV said. 

The bank said it was striving to reduce non-essential contact to prevent the virus spread and safeguard the well-being of its employees and customers. 

This measure, the bank said, was being introduced to reduce the need for customers to visit its branches, limiting unnecessary contact and waiting in queues.

BOV announced the measure after it closed one of its branches as a precaution after one of its employees felt unwell. The employee has been tested for COVID-19 but results were not yet available at the time of writing.

Staying safe

The bank said it sanitised its ATMs on a regular basis, however, customers were encouraged to protect themselves and others by taking their own sanitising precautions before and after using them.

• Remain at least one metre apart while waiting in a queue to use an ATM
• Respect others by not throwing away gloves or tissues in ATM receipt bins
• Reduce cash usage and instead use electronic channels such as contactless cards and BOV Pay
• Carry out banking transactions through internet banking, mobile banking and customer service centre.
• Only go to branches for urgent services which cannot be accessed through regular channels.

It said it would continue to closely monitor the situation in collaboration with the government and health authorities and would take all the necessary measures to safeguard its customers and staff members. 

The bank its staff for their commitment, professionalism and dedication to ensure the continuation of essential banking services to the community.