TheCable

The First City Monument Bank (FCMB) says a customer collapsed at its Onipanu branch on Monday as a result of fatigue not COVID-19.

The bank reacted to the video, which has now gone viral, in a statement on Tuesday.

“We wish to clarify that at around 11 am on Monday, May 4, 2020 a middle-aged man visited the branch to carry out a transaction on the ATM,” the statement read.

“In line with our COVID-19 health and safety measures, his temperature was taken and found to be normal, and a hand sanitizer was available for use beside the machine.

“While standing in line, however, the customer began to show signs of fatigue and collapsed. The fully masked and gloved branch support personnel came to his assistance, moving him to the branch security post.

“Upon enquiry, the customer indicated he had not had anything to eat and had been waiting in line for a short while. After resting and eating some snacks, he regained his strength and left the branch on his own.

“At no point did the customer exhibit any symptoms of respiratory distress, difficulty in breathing or high temperature as has been incorrectly reported on social media.

“We understand the panic a 13-second video such as currently making the rounds can cause without the proper context at such a time as this.”

The bank assured customers that it has deployed “robust health and safety measures” at all it open branches.