By The Associated Press

CORYDON — A southern Indiana bank is closing lobbies at many of its branches because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Corydon-based First Harrison Bank announced last week the lobbies will be closed at most branches, but drive-up lanes will remain open at each location. The bank has 18 locations in southern Indiana and Bullitt County, Kentucky.

Bank president and CEO Bill Harrod tells the News and Tribune the change is meant to minimize the risk of coronavirus exposure to the community and staff. Employees at two branches have tested positive for COVID-19 and others there have had to quarantine, he said.

“We can afford to have one or two people out, but we can’t afford to have 10 to 12 people out , We don’t have the staff to try to back up those people,” Harrod said.

The bank will keep one branch in each county where it operates open to lobby traffic.

“They are the bigger, busier offices — we did want to give customers the option to go to those locations if they need coin orders or need something special,” Harrod said. “We want to make sure we meet customers needs and balance the risks of employees getting sick.”

For the lobbies that remain open, the bank asks that the community adhere to guidelines for mask-wearing and social distancing.