How Michigan Credit Unions are Safely Reopening Lobbies

The Majority of Michigan is currently in the Governor’s fourth phase of the Safe Start Plan, with the fifth phase in the near future. Like many businesses, credit unions are starting to reopen brick-and-mortar locations, welcoming back employees and members to their lobbies with proper safety precautions.

What do those safety precautions look like? Face masks are universally required or requested and many staff are now servicing from behind barriers. A few Michigan credit unions told MCUL what they’re doing to ensure the safety of members and employees.

TLC Community Credit Union, based in Adrian, is making sure their offices have ample guidelines posted in lobbies, signifying social distancing protocol, directions on line movement and more. Additionally, they’re coin machine and public restrooms will remain unavailable to the public.

Jackson-based American 1 Credit Union is limiting the amount of members allowed in a lobby at one time, and before being allowed into the branch, a greeter will check government-issued IDs and ask members to remove their masks momentarily to verify identity. American 1 is also closing restrooms to the public.

“Our entire team has worked hard for this day. The decision to reopen came with a lot of advanced preparation and thought,” said Martha Fuerstenau, president/CEO of American 1. “We coordinated our timeline with the other area credit unions, implemented necessary safety measures to protect members and staff, and added additional signage in our lobbies to ensure social distancing.”

Health Advantage Credit Union in Saginaw also announced its reopening, but strictly for teller transactions and coin machine and shredding services. Health Advantage is maintaining an appointment-only basis for opening new accounts, applying for loans and home equity and making changes to existing accounts.

In a statement, President/CEO Laura Crase said, “The branch experience will feel quite different than before, but our commitment to creating an exemplary member experience has never been stronger.” 

The credit union stated their commitment to current health and safety guidelines set by the State of Michigan, Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, and are sanitizing surfaces throughout the day.

“The health and wellbeing of our members and employees remains a top priority,” Crase said. “We look forward to welcoming our members back and we appreciate their understanding and kindness as we navigate how to best serve the community during this challenging time.”

Use MCUL’s executive order database to stay up to date on reopening protocols as they pertain to credit unions.