Letter to the Editor
Editor,
“The times they are a changin’,” Bob Dylan’s words can so easily be applied to today’s pandemic crisis, and it is difficult for many to accept change – but we must face it or lose touch with the reality of our vulnerability and our inter-connectedness.
We live in a rural community with a significantly high percentage of senior citizens. There are still areas of our community which do not have high speed internet. Are these two factors reason enough for people to expect others to put themselves at risk to help us manage unnecessary tasks? I don’t think so, but according to several front-line branch banking personnel, many of our community members do think this way, and do expect personalized service to continue as if COVUD-19 did not exist.
There are a significant number of people who have never used, and never want to use, an automated banking machine, and insist on person-to-person contact at all times. For many, visiting the bank several times a week may be their only source of human contact. Many folks think banking machines are difficult to use. Once they are shown the simplicity of the operation they are surprised – pleasantly.
Travelling out in a snowstorm to pay one’s telephone bill can be dangerous, but this action usually puts only the person paying the bill at risk. Such transactions are easily and conveniently completed over the telephone, on the internet, or at an ATM. There is no need to attend the bank to check that your CPP or OAS regular payment has changed, or has been automatically credited to your account. If someone feels there is a risk of their account NOT being properly credited, this information can also be confirmed by phone, online or at the ATM.
It seems that when money is involved, some people lose their sense of trust and rational thinking. In our current circumstances, and because banks are considered an essential service, it is important for people to understand that the bank staff are putting themselves at risk of infection if they are exposed to a branch full of customers. Many banks and branches across Canada have implemented reasonable strategies to protect themselves and the public! In an effort to look out for each other, to be compassionate, to be sensible – please observe these changes! Don’t curse or verbally abuse bank staff because they are heeding the advice of leading health officials as well as national, provincial, and town governments to practise social distancing, hand washing – staying home!
Perhaps some folks could embrace this situation as an opportunity to be adventurous. Try online or telephone banking or attend only the ATM for paying bills, getting a balance, or withdrawing cash – it is also possible and secure to make deposits at ATMs.
“The times, they are a changin’,” maybe it’s time for some folks in our community to experience a little change too.
Debbie Hickey, Meaford
