Some frontline tellers at the $100 million First Capital Federal Credit Union donned latex gloves this week to prevent spread of the flu. The CU is also planning to suggest coughing or sneezing members use the drive-thru.
"Flu germs can be on cash, withdrawal slips, just everything and so particularly at the end of the week with a high number of transactions, we're taking steps to keep our employees and members healthy," explained Linda Thompson, human relations manager at the York, Pa. credit union.
The Pennsylvania CU has posted signs about cleaning hands and put out antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizers at the start of the teller lines.
"We are not requiring our frontline staff to wear the gloves and so it is strictly optional," explained Edward Fadely, vice president. He added that face masks are also optional "though when we see a member coughing we might offer them one."
First Capital, which began the flu protection campaign two weeks ago and attracted local TV attention, said the CU is also keeping in touch with a local hospital to gauge flu status in the community. But absenteeism has definitely risen in local schools although the CU's own 56-member staff has seen no appreciable climb in employee sickness, said Fadely.
