To facilitate SHWE Bank in business continuity planning in response to the pandemic, BCP Committee was established.

This policy is formulated as part of the Business Continuity Plan with a view to giving SHWE Bank guidance during the COVID-19 outbreak in Myanmar. The purpose of the policy is to:

1.  Minimize health risks to employees
2.  Minimize the risk of premises becoming a node of transmission
3.  Ensure plans are in place should employees be are infected or quarantined
4.  Ensure alternative arrangements so business operations can continue

This policy is implemented with the 3 management areas below:

1. Resource management
2. Operational and Customer management
3. Communications management (both internal and external)

1. Resource Management

The human resource was effectively managed by close monitoring on WFH, WIO (work in office) and Shift employees.

2. Operational and Customer Management

Emphasis was placed on minimizing disruptions across all branches and departments. All meetings were held online and fact-based decisions were made efficiently.
Safety measures were immediately taken: temperature taking and health screening; supply of PPEs, masks, disposable gloves, hand sanitizers and the regular disinfection of offices and enforcement of Social distancing for the employees and customers.

• A robust employee sickness surveillance process was developed to identify and manage unwell employees.
  Safety management was implemented for customers at branches including human traffic control.
• A Customer Booking System was implemented for customers to pre-register and arrange appointments.
  Contact details of customers were recorded to facilitate contact tracing if needed.
• A SWAT Team was organized to assist branch operations during a high volume period or in the case of COVID-19 positive case in the shifts. 

3. Communications Management
Employees were educated on COVID hazards highlighting infection control and good personal hygiene.
The development of the virus outbreak was continuously monitored and messages were disseminated to employees.
Employees were communicated on policies and procedures to report sickness or developing symptoms.
Customers were communicated on the safety measures in the Bank premises.

Support provided for the staff
The policy ensures that support is provided to staff.
– Cash support was provided to those hospitalized and to those under quarantine. Cash support as well as meals were provided to those who perform their duties by working in office.
– The Bank also arranged Telehealth Service to its employees.
– Care packages of Anti-COVID items were distributed.
– Weekly nutritious food and drinks were offered.

– Data packages are provided to help the staff stay connected without worrying about the cost.
– Campaigns were introduced to help the staff stay robust even during the WFH periods.
– COVID vaccination was arranged for all staff.

The policy was crucial in producing the following benefits:

• Physical as well as mental wellbeing of the staff was taken care of during the pandemic period
• Workplace transmission was minimal
• The Bank has not disrupted its services. All branches and departments have been operating until now
• 98% of SHWE Bank’s staff were vaccinated.