The chief executive officer of a telecoms holding company has advised consumers to avoid cash transactions in light of the threat posed by Covid-19.

Frank Amaral, the boss at One Communications, wrote to the company’s customers to advise that the firm is “taking every precaution to safeguard our customers, employees and business operations”.

Acknowledging that One’s business involved face-to-face interactions with the public, he encouraged customers to consider several recommendations.

In the letter, he wrote: “Avoid cash transactions in-store whenever possible. We strongly recommend this for our seniors.”

Mr Amaral encouraged customers to make payments online via their bank or One’s website, and suggested that customers sign up for auto debit payments.

“For enquiries or service plan changes, consider going online at www.onecomm.bm by completing a form, using our chat feature, or by calling our call centre on 700.7000 for mobile services and 700.7300 for home services,” he wrote.

He advised customers to monitor updates from the World Health Organisation, Centre for Disease Control and the Bermuda Government.

Mr Amaral said “having in place a comprehensive infection prevention and business continuity plan is critical at this time”.

He said One Communications has enacted the following protocols:

• Restrictions on business travel for both One employees and any visitors to their offices

• Discouraging personal travel by One employees to all high risk areas and requiring reporting thereof

• Reporting by employees if they believe they have come into contact with high-risk individuals so that appropriate action can be taken e.g. self-quarantining

• Distributed hand sanitiser and sanitising wipes around One stores and offices

•?Increased the frequency of disinfection across all One surfaces, including door handles, desk and countertops, devices and equipment

• Incorporated the use of disinfectant wipes when handling equipment in One stores and customers’ homes

• Commenced implementation of remote working for One’s non-customer facing employees

• Implemented new safety protocols for One’s field technicians while conducting work at homes and businesses

• Enacted social distancing, and a safe distance to communicate with customers as prescribed by the CDC

• Verifying with One vendors the ready supply of devices and network materials in order to maintain the company’s services and products

Mr Amaral concluded: “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adjust our plans when needed. We thank you for your co-operation at this time.”