Banks restrict lobby access, provides update on PPP loans

Customers of the First National Bank were greeted by a closed gate on Monday morning, April 6. The bank joins InterBank and Graham Savings and Loan as financial institutions who have restricted access to their lobbies to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

At First National Bank, customers are still allowed to check safe deposit boxes and will be given access to the lobby on a case-by-case basis.

“Most banks have closed their lobbies around the country and when the first case showed up in Stephens County, we knew we needed to take action,” Kevin Simmons, President of First National Bank said. “We put the health and safety of the community at the forefront of the decision. We have all the departments of the bank divided up to prevent any interaction and to be as cautious as we can.”

Simmons also confirmed that First National Bank has started to process payroll protection program (PPP) loans for various small-businesses affected by COVID-19.

“As long as the businesses spend the money on payroll, utility, rent or mortgage payment, the loan is repaid by the federal government,” Simmons said. “The good thing is we will work with borrowers and help in any way we can to get the community through this. That’s the purpose of a community bank.”