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ANDALUSIA – The rapid spread of COVID-19, or Coronavirus, is touching the lives of peoples from coast to coast. For those not directly suffering from the virus, the indirect changes in daily lives and routines are creating a temporary “new normal” as restaurants restrict orders to carry out only and grocery stores work diligently to keep shelves stocked with essential items.

Southern Independent Bank, however, continues to remain open in meeting the banking needs of its customers. “As we navigate the impact of Coronavirus on area families, we do so with an eye on our responsibility to remain fully functional in providing service,” said Micah Garner, SIB President and Chief Executive Officer.

Garner said the bank was taking measures to help ensure the health and well-being of its professional staff as well as each customer it serves. It is doing so “to remain compliant with the recommendations of the CDC and healthcare authorities,” Garner said. Among the practices now being employed at the bank, with locations in Opp, Andalusia and Florala, is to restrict traditional teller transactions such as accepting deposits or cashing checks, to the bank’s drive-in banking lanes. In so doing, the bank is using a “safe distance” policy to help prevent a spread of the virus. “Certainly, personal service is and will always be our signature at Southern Independent Bank,” Garner noted. “But extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Aside from serving our customers’ needs through the drive in, we also offer Online Banking, ATMs, Mobile Banking, Debit Cards, and Telephone Banking 1-855-829-5149.

Should a person need to enter the bank’s lobby, Garner said that an appointment would be necessary whether to close a loan or to access their Safe Deposit Box. “Upon arrival, we will ask that customer to complete a brief questionnaire and to have their temperature taken,” he continued. “We thank each of our customers for their understanding and patience during these difficult times, and as always we appreciate the opportunity to be of service.”