Reopening Plan

Due to the rising COVID-19 cases in our area, starting November 30^th, 2020, all branches will be available by drive-up and walk-in appointments only. Our lobbies will be open M-F - 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and Sat - 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.  

• Entrances: 
  When you enter the branch, you’ll notice there’s signage on the door indicating branch procedures.  We will also have a member of our branch team greeting customers by the door as they enter. 
• Hand Sanitizer:
  At every entrance, we have hand sanitizer available for your convenience.  
• Floor markings:
  To create plenty of space for social distancing, we have installed markers on the floor to show where to wait.  
• Check Writing Counter:
  You’ll notice our check writing counters* don’t have slips or pens.  We’re trying to reduce the amount of items that could be touched.  So, if you have to make a deposit or withdrawal, we’ll take care of that for you at the teller line, no need for slips or pens! 
  *For our Framingham, Leominster and Avidia Financial Center locations, you’ll conduct your banking as usual.  
• Teller Line:
  Please wait in the designated area until you’re called up to the teller line.  Once you approach the teller line, let the teller know what transaction you would like – they can help with withdrawal, transfer and deposit slips.  They may ask you to briefly lower your mask for identification purposes or ask for alternative ways you can be identified. 
  Once the transactions are complete you will be provided an e-receipt emailed to you. 
• Meeting with your banker: 
  When you meet with your banker, we have installed protective plexiglass barriers at stations in the branch to provide additional safety.

Avidia Employees: 

The state of Massachusetts has required that masks or cloth face coverings be worn in public spaces where it is not possible to maintain appropriate physical distancing (minimum of 6 feet from other people).  This requirement applies to both customers and employees in situations where physical distancing is not possible.  Cities and towns have also taken similar approaches, and the bank will follow State guidelines unless the city/town guidelines are stricter, in which case the stricter guidelines will be followed. 

You may notice some Avidia employees wearing masks as needed and we are providing them with masks and other personal protective equipment. (PPE) 

Customers: 

For the health and safety of our employees and customers, we encourage you to wear a face covering or mask when visiting the branch.  We do understand that there are also medical exemptions and age exemptions for masks.  

Please understand that we may need to ask you to briefly lower you mask for identification purposes.  If so, we’ll ask you to remove it behind a plexiglass barrier we have installed.  Keep in mind, you can still visit our drive ups and uses our online banking without having to wear a mask.  

We are adhering to all safety precautions set forth by Governor Baker, including the travel order that went into effect on August 1st, 2020. To remain in compliance, we ask that recent travelers entering Massachusetts, including returning residents who do not meet an exemption, refrain from visiting an Avidia Branch until their quarantine period has expired. For more information on this travel order, please visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order#massachusetts-travel-form-

If you have a transaction that requires in-branch service, we're happy to help! Please call your branch ahead of time and we will make alternate arrangements to accommodate your request. 

We have implemented a variety of new policies and procedures to help keep our employees safe.  Below is a summary:

• We have implemented a plan for reducing employee density in all of our locations and have created a phased approach for employees to return to the office/normal staffing levels. These phases are based upon guidance provided by the CDC and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 
• Employees who are sick are to stay home.
• We are also deep cleaning and disinfecting our branches and high traffic/high touch areas nightly.
• Employees have been provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, gloves etc. and are to wear them as needed for social distancing.
• Employees have been instructed to regularly wash hands and use cleaning products before and after they are in shared areas/using shared equipment such as water coolers, white boards, printers/copiers, lunch rooms etc.  
• Social distancing is encouraged in the office environment. 
• Protective barriers have been installed at targeted stations within each branch to provide additional safety for employees while assisting customers.

If an employee becomes sick, we are encouraging that employee to stay home until 14 days have passed or they are no longer symptomatic.  All employees who may have had contact with that employee will also stay home for the required 14 days.  We will also be leveraging any contact tracing necessary to notify anyone else who may have had exposure. The location the employee worked in will be immediately deep cleaned and disinfected. 

• Make sure you’re on time.
• We are trying to keep density low in all of our locations, so it’s important to be on time.  If you’re running late, contact your banker. 
• If you are sick or someone in your household is sick, please stay home and let your banker know, we’re happy to reschedule or work with you on ways we can help you safely or meet remotely.
• Wear a face covering or mask.
• Utilize our sanitizer station at the entrance. 
• Observe and follow the signage in the branch to maintain proper social distancing and stay 6 feet away from others in the branch.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• No handshakes please!  We know this one is difficult but perhaps an air high-five or a wave is best for now.

• Do as much banking as you can remotely - using our Avidia Mobile App or online banking
• Use contactless transaction options such as contactless cards, Apple Pay/Android/Samsung Pay etc. 
• If you do need to go to the bank, use the drive up. 
• If you need to make an appointment to come in to see your banker, make sure you’re on time.  Use our guidelines above
• Be patient.  We’re doing our best to get through this and adapt to this new way of doing business so we appreciate your patience and cooperation.  Thanks for working to keep us all safe and healthy!