Rockland Trust shuts most of its branches to walk-in customers, although drive-up windows remain open

Did you read the link? It says it in there.

"Meetings By Appointment
If you require in-branch assistance to do your banking, we will have branch offices that will be accessible by appointment only. To make an in-branch appointment, please click below."

Can I ask what needs to be done?

II think it’s starting to become a little foolish for people to show up to branches now. Banks have been asking customers for a month to gear up for something like this. Here are a few scenarios why you might be doing this, and a few alternatives to it:

Cashing a check? Mobile deposit. Or ATM deposit. Either way... It’s there the next morning. Most people aren’t pressed for getting cash right now. Aside from the fact that cashing a check is withdrawing the same amount you already have in your account until the other bank clears it. Also, ATMs are fully stocked and employees are dispatched to be sure of it.

Opening an account? Again, I’m not sure who needs to do this ASAP. Many account openings can be done online, except for complicated things like trusts & estates that require furnishing original documents.

Have a passbook? The last company in the nation who makes those printers went out of business. For security reasons, you can’t withdraw from a passbook without the physical book. Banks have been trying to wean people off these for years. Which begs the question — why not a statement account with an ATM card for emergencies...

Other questions? Call centers are open and employees are practicing social distancing there.

Sorry if I’m jumping the gun here, but it’s been very clear that in-person transactions like these in branches are not always essential. Especially in these times. Things like direct deposit, online banking, phone banking, and debit cards have been in practice for decades. Bank employees do NOT want to continue to run the risk of being in public just as well as anyone else, and the thing is — we don’t really need to be there in person all the time.

Please, if you need to make it to a branch, make it for something worthwhile like learning about accessing your accounts on your own. Now is not the time to go out because it’s routine; we are not in routine times anymore. I’m not holding my breath that this will be this way for long.

I do, however, think that people’s access to cash will not change. Unless you have a tax levy, are in escheatment, or collect social security after you’re dead, banks can’t yank your cash.

Also, if anyone has any questions about banking, feel free to ask. Nothing is too crazy to ask as long as you’re open to an honest answer.