CIBC First Caribbean Bank said in a notice yesterday that its Road Town branch “is closed until further notice”. Official reports to our news centre are that the closure is because of COVID-19.

The bank also told customers that they could access their accounts at any of its ATMs, online, and/or on its mobile banking services.

The bank said that due to a combination of issues beyond its control, the salaries of employees who bank with CIBC will be delayed.

The bank’s temporary closure caused a delay in the payment of salaries of persons employed with the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA).

In an email sent to employees, the BVIHSA informed staff that salaries will not be paid on time this month-end because of banking issues.

The email also said employees banking with Banco Popular and First Bank will also be affected.

The BVIHSA has one of the largest staff contingents in the territory.

The situation at CIBC comes on the heels of two reported cases of COVID-19 at the Elmore Stoutt High School’s junior campus. This has halted face-to-face learning at the educational facility.

There are currently 39 known active cases of COVID-19 in the BVI.