Freedom Bank Prepares to Safely Return to Our Offices on June 15th

As Governor Northam laid out in Executive Order 62, localities across Northern Virginia and the greater Washington DC region entered Phase One on Friday, May 29 to reopen businesses and public places.  Similarly, Freedom Bank has developed a transition plan to re-open offices on June 15, 2020.     

The bank has been operating very successfully since we closed our sales offices on March 19 and our commercial banking and mortgage teams began working remotely using the bank’s infrastructure investment and digital technologies.  During this time, we have also been dedicated to planning and preparing to “return” to work.  However, we will not accelerate the return of employees to the physical workplace at the expense of safety for our colleagues and clients.  

On June 15th, certain elements of “normal” work activities can be reinstated at our offices.  The bank will take proactive measures to preserve social distancing in our sales offices.  Operational employees will be divided into three groups that will permit a return to the bank in two-week shifts that is controlled for maximum safety.  Commercial banking and mortgage sales teams will be continuing to work remotely through Labor Day. 

We will limit activity in the sales offices to clients by appointment only.  These appointments will be restricted to the hours of 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM during Phase 1.  In addition, the bank will have installed barrier systems that will keep employees and clients separated during transaction activity.  The Fairfax and Vienna sales offices will still conduct business during normal hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM) through the drive-up windows as has been successfully accomplished since March 19th.  Lastly, floor signs will be present in each sales office to visually assist individuals in maintaining the recommended social distance.

We will require customers to wear a mask or some form of facial covering before entering the Freedom Bank Sales Offices, consistent with Governor Northam’s Executive Order 63.  Clients will be greeted at the door and will be required to lower their mask before admittance so that we can obtain their picture for identification purposes.  Facial protection will be provided if a customer does not have this when arriving for their appointment.  

The bank has worked with its vendors to ensure that EPA-approved processes and disinfecting procedures are in place before clients enter the sales office and employees come back to the workplace.  Each member of the cleaning crew, as an example, must wear a facial covering and gloves at all times.  All common touch points will be sanitized daily including bathroom facilities.  

We will continue to keep you updated and look forward to a time we can be together safely!