BSP expects less business in Goroka due to lockdown

By SHIRLEY MAULUDU
THE Bank South Pacific Financial Group Ltd (BSP) is expecting its branches in Eastern Highlands to see less business because of the surge in Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases.
Group chief executive officer Robin Fleming said they expected fewer customers to visit the bank branches because of the new Covid-19 measures introduced for the province.
“Our branches in Eastern Highlands will be opened for business as usual on the introduction of the additional measures on Oct 13 (tomorrow),” Fleming told The National yesterday.
“As required by the measures and as approved by the EHP controller, our branches will open at the usual time and will close at 2pm, with staff to leave the premises by 3pm to travel home.
“BSP has approval to have 30 staff at work to meet the needs and demands of our customers during the two-week period.
“Business activity and general movement around Goroka town in particular have slowed down and we expect fewer customers visiting our branches than would normally be the case.
“BSP is actively encouraging our staff to get vaccinated to protect themselves and their families.”
Meanwhile, EHP Governor Peter Numu said rules for the lockdown were:

• MANDATORY wearing of masks;
• BUSINESSES to close at 2pm and the curfew to run from 5pm to 6am;
• ONLY grades 8, 10 and 12 students to be in school to prepare to the national examinations; and,
• STRICT protocols to be observed at the borders.