NORTH COAST, Calif. – Savings Bank of Mendocino County is taking proactive measures to prepare for COVID-19, caused by novel coronavirus.

Bank officials said they are closely monitoring developments from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as state and local authorities and are aware that COVID-19 has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization.

"Our top priority is the health and wellness of our customers, employees and the communities we serve while continuing to provide banking services", said Scott Yandell, Savings Bank president and CEO. "We want to assure you that we have taken precautionary measures to promote good health and wellness".

The banking centers are professionally cleaned and they are enhancing their cleaning protocols for commonly touched surfaces.

Their employees have been informed and urged to follow basic preventative measures and have been asked to stay home if they or a family member have a fever or have potentially been exposed to COVID-19. To help keep us all well, they ask that customers do the same.

Savings Bank has social distancing practices currently in place, which means when you stop by the Bank they will greet you with a friendly smile instead of a handshake.

Employees will not be traveling for business to large conferences, classes or trainings, and they have put into practice alternatives to meeting in person for large group employee meetings.

The bank knows that access to your accounts is a top priority. Because of this, they want to remind you that they offer the latest banking technology. These tools give you the flexibility and convenience to access your accounts without coming into the Bank.

Savings Bank's presence on social media allows customers and the community to connect with the Bank for up to date information from your computer or mobile device.

If you haven't already done so, now is a great time to log in to online banking, download the mobile app and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Drive-up interactive teller machines: Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and until 6 p.m. on Fridays in Ukiah, Redwood Valley, Willits and Fort Bragg.

ATMs: Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Fourteen machines to serve you in Ukiah, Redwood Valley, Willits, Fort Bragg, Mendocino and Lakeport.

Online Banking, www.savingsbank.com : Access your accounts online to transfer money between your accounts, check balances, monitor account activity, view statements, pay bills, person to person payments and more.

Mobile banking apps for Apple and Android devices: Connect to your accounts anytime, anywhere. Deposit checks in a snap, transfer money between your accounts, check balances, monitor account activity and pay bills.

Debit and credit cards: There are options for you if you prefer to use a card instead of cash.

TeleBank, 877-477-1154: Your telephone can connect you to your accounts 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

By phone: If you would like to speak with a loan accounting representative to make a payment by phone, please call 707-462-6613, Extension 1240. To speak to a bank representative for any other banking needs or questions, please call your local banking center. Phone numbers are available on our website locations page, https://www.savingsbank.com/locations.php .

Facebook and Instagram: Follow Savings Bank on Facebook and Instagram for the most current information about Bank operations and services as the situation progresses.

Savings Bank of Mendocino County is well prepared and its team is closely monitoring local conditions, the recommendations of medical experts and governmental representatives, and they are taking appropriate measures. The Bank will provide updated information on their website and on their Facebook and Instagram pages as necessary.