Reports have claimed that major banks in India are planning to shut down most of their branches during the 21-day coronavirus lockdown, which began Tuesday midnight. But how true is it? One of the reports said that the step was necessitated to prevent tens of thousands of bank sector employees from being infected with COVID-19. The report claimed that there would likely be only one bank open every five kilometres in major cities.
Many people also received messages on social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook. The forwarded messages too claimed that banks in India would shut down soon.
PIB Fact Check today clarified that rumours of closure of bank branches is "false". It said the customer service bank branches are operational and will continue to provide services amidst the lockdown.
We appeal you to not believe in rumours. Also, do not blindly trust messages that are doing rounds on social media, especially at a time when the country is under lockdown. A misleading message can spread panic among people.
CLAIM: BANK BRANCHES WILL SHUT AMID LOCKDOWN
FACT: CLAIM FOUND FAKE. BANKS WILL REMAIN OPERATIONAL DURING LOCKDOWN