Chattanooga's biggest bank is limiting its branch operations to scale back retail operations as part of efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus.
First Horizon Bank said today it has limited its in-person banking centers to drive-thru only "to help keep customers and employees as safe as possible. Lobbies will be available by appointment only.
The move follows similar lobby closings by most of Chattanooga's other major banks last week.
Bank customers can use drive-thru services to get a cashier's check, make commercial deposits (single or multiple), non-customer check cashing.
Banks are urging customers to turn to their mobile apps and other online services, or telephone the bank, for most services or to make appointments, if needed.
Regulators had anticipated banks would close branch lobbies. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. told banks it preferred as few service disruptions as possible, the FDIC urged banks to keep other "alternative service options" open.
Banks and other service industries that serve the general public are trying to limit personal contacts with other people to limit the chances of the coronavirus spreading even more.