The island’s two biggest banks are to shut up shop over the strict new Covid-19 lockdown regulations.

HSBC and Butterfield Bank will be closed for at least two weeks while the “shelter in place” regime is in force.

Butterfield will close its four branches from Monday.

Its branches on Reid Street, Rosebank on Bermudiana Road, St George and Somerset will remain shut until further notice.

A bank spokesman said Butterfield Online, the Butterfield mobile banking app and ATMs will continue in operation.

The branches will be open today from 9am to 4pm and strict social distancing measures will be enforced.

The spokesman said: “Butterfield regrets the inconvenience and looks forward to serving customers in its banking centres again soon.”

A spokeswoman for HSBC said its branches would also be closed on Monday and stay shuttered for the 14 days of the lockdown at least.

Restrictions, including social distancing, will be in force today.

The spokeswoman said HSBC ATMs and online banking would still be available and the contact centre would operate during normal business hours.

But she added: “Pre-orders done via online banking or the contact centre will not be filled until branch operating hours have been re-established.”

She said online banking or the mobile banking app should be used over the shutdown.

The spokewoman added that if clients had financial problems, they should contact their banking relationship manager or phone 299 5959.

She promised: “We will work with clients to determine the most appropriate way to support them through their particular financial challenges.”

To sign up for HSBC online banking, visit www.hsbc.bm/register or call 299-5959.