Bank of Valletta announces further measures to help combat the spread of COVID-19

Following the recent developments related to COVID-19 and the measures announced by the Minister of Health, Bank of Valletta is announcing that with effect from Tuesday 24 March, it will be introducing further measures aimed at reducing face to face contact with clients:

• Temporary closure of eight branches/agencies
• Reduction in opening hours - 9.00 am to 12.00 pm (noon) – Monday to Saturday
• BOV Branches will continue offering essential services
• Other services through dedicated team operating through the dedicated line and email
• Other Units operating behind closed doors but still offering services to customers
• All ATMs will continue to be serviced and replenished.

Branches

Bank of Valletta will temporarily close its branches/agencies in Cospicua, Fgura, Fleur De Lys, Marsaxlokk, Msida, Qormi, Skyparks and Xewkija Gozo.

ATMs and night safe deposit facilities at these branches will continue to operate in a normal manner. Customers who require access to safe deposit lockers located within the above-mentioned branches, during the period these branches are closed, are to call the Customer Service Centre to be given an appointment.

Customers of these branches who require services other than cash withdrawals and deposits are to send an email to [email protected] or call on +356 2275 3500 (Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm).

The Bank will continue to service and replenish its ATMs across Malta and Gozo in the normal manner.

Opening Hours

The Bank will continue offering its branch services through its 33 branches/agencies across Malta and Gozo between 9 am and 12 pm (noon), Monday to Saturday.

Cash withdrawals from Branches

Customers will be able to withdraw cash from branch tellers from a minimum of €500 upwards. Amounts lower than €500 are to be withdrawn from ATMs. Customers who do not have a bank card and have less than €500 in their account will still be able to withdraw funds from branch tellers. Customers who do not have a bank card are urged to apply for their free BOV Cashlink Card.

Services from Branches

BOV branches will continue offering essential banking services such as withdrawals and deposits. Customers requiring other services such as investments, home loans, personal loans and rescheduling of loan repayments amongst other services are to send an email to [email protected] or call on +356 2275 3500 (Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm) providing their mobile number, service required and their branch. A branch representative will subsequently contact the customer to provide the necessary assistance.

Other Customer Outlets

Until further notice, the Bank’s Business Centres, Corporate Centre, Investment Centres, Wealth Management and International Corporate Centre will not meet customers at their offices but will provide them with services through phone, email and other electronic means. Customers requiring services from these Centres are kindly asked to contact their Relationship Managers and Financial Advisors via email or phone. Details can be found on https://www.bov.com/content/assist.

Electronic Channels

Bank of Valletta urges the general public to reduce cash usage and instead use electronic channels such as paying with contactless cards and BOV Pay and to carry out banking transactions through BOV Internet Banking, BOV Mobile Banking and Customer Service Centre.

The Bank appeals to its customers to go to branches only for urgent services that cannot be effected through electronic channels.

Stay Safe

Bank of Valletta appeals to the public to take simple measures to safeguard their health and that of others such as:

• Keeping at least one metre apart if waiting in a queue
• Using their own sanitising precautions before and after usage of ATMs, even though the Bank is sanitising its ATMs regularly
• Refraining from throwing away used disposable gloves and tissues in the ATM receipt bins – respect yourself and other users
• Using their own pen if visiting a branch
• Visiting branches only for urgent matters
• Staying at home and seek medical advice if feeling unwell

Bank of Valletta understands that these measures may cause a degree of inconvenience to some of its customers. However, in view of the seriousness of the current pandemic, the Bank strongly believes that these measures are necessary for the well-being of the whole community.

The Bank is closely monitoring the situation in close collaboration with the Government and the health authorities and will continue to take all the necessary measures to safeguard customers and staff members alike.

Further BOV information and updates on COVID-19 can be found on https://bov.com/content/covid-19-bov-updates