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Pandemic Preparedness: COVID-19 Resources

The Coronavirus was declared as a public health emergency of international concern by both the CDC and World Health Organization. Your League has provided several pandemic resources and links below for credit unions regarding the coronavirus outbreak. Our main concern is the health and wellness of our credit union employees and members, and the impact disruption of services it may have in our communities.

League Communications Relating to COVID-19:

Important Guidance, Resources, and Updates

League Media Response

 

When it comes to working with members, credit unions can:

  • Waiving automated teller machine (ATM) fees
  • Increasing ATM daily cash withdrawal limits
  • Waiving overdraft fees
  • Waiving early withdrawal penalties on time deposits
  • Waiving availability restrictions on insurance checks
  • Easing restrictions on cashing out-of-state and non-member checks
  • Easing credit terms for new loans for members who qualify
  • Offering or expanding payday alternative loan programs
  • Increasing credit card limits for creditworthy borrowers
  • Waiving late fees for credit card and other loan balances
  • Offering payment accommodations, such as allowing borrowers to defer or skip some payments, or extending the payment due dates, which would avoid delinquencies and negative credit bureau reporting caused by any COVID-19-related disruptions

When it comes to any sickness outbreak, the NCUA recommends credit unions take the following steps:

  • Communicate and educate employees.
  • Emphasize good workplace hygiene and social distance from those with obvious symptoms.
  • Reinforce sick leave policies, and even option to work remotely if applicable.
  • Replace face-to-face meetings with video or teleconferencing.

The NCUA has issued guidance on several occasions related to pandemic preparedness and planning. Letters to Credit Unions 10-CU-10, 09-CU-13; 08-CU-01; and 01-CU-21.

The NCUA highlights that the credit union’s plan should include:

  • A preventative program to reduce the likelihood the operations will be significantly affected by a pandemic event;
  • A documented strategy which provides for scaling pandemic efforts;
  • A comprehensive framework of facilities, systems, or procedures to continue critical operations if large number of staff are unavailable for prolonged periods;
  • A testing program to ensure the pandemic planning practices and capabilities are effective; and
  • An oversight program to ensure ongoing review and updates are made to the pandemic plan.

Credit unions should review and revise their continuity plans in a timely manner to properly address the management of a pandemic event.

Member credit unions may also wish to leverage their league/association compliance resources. CU PolicyPro Model Policy 2195: Pandemic Influenza Preparedness & Response provides a general policy that the credit union can tailor to meet their needs. The policy covers:

  • Role of the Board
  • Role of the Management Team
  • Planning for impact to credit union operations
  • Planning for impact to employees and members
  • Allocation of resources to protect employees and members during an outbreak
  • Educating employees

Pandemic Resources

HR Resources

Additional Resources

Posters

Available to download from the WHO and the CDC.