Ion Bank COVID-19 Update

To our valued Customers and Communities,

As we celebrate our 150th Anniversary this year, please be assured that Ion is in a very strong position to weather the global challenges created by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). We began discussions early in the year and on February 11th, held our first formal meeting to specifically begin preparations to ensure that we could maintain service to our customers and communities throughout the current challenges. As the situation continues to develop, I would like to provide you with an update on steps we have taken since our last communication.

• In the best interest of our customers and employees, and in an effort to limit the spread of the Coronavirus, effective Saturday at 2pm on March 21st, all Ion Bank branch lobbies will be temporarily closed until further notice. Our drive-up services will remain open for normal business during regular hours. Our Cheshire, Farmington, Meriden East Main St., and Rubber Ave. Naugatuck locations, that do not have a drive-up, have PTM/ATM services available. Please call your local branch to schedule appointments for safe deposit access, wire transfers, important document processing and other financial matters that cannot be accommodated online and we will be happy to assist you.

• Meetings are now being conducted via conference call, and we are practicing “social distancing” wherever possible. We have shifted some employees to work in buildings where more space is available. Also, our Information Technology Department continues to expand the current number of employees that can work from home.

• We have stepped up cleaning schedules of our branch offices, drive-ups, and PTMs/ATMs as well as employee workspaces.

• Ion’s Senior Leadership Team is meeting regularly to review key aspects of our current pandemic plan and identify any necessary additional precautionary steps.

• We continue to monitor guidance from the State Banking Department regarding our current operations and accommodations.

We continue to follow any new developments as they are made available by the Centers for Disease Control https://cdc.gov and World Health Organization https://www.who.int, as well as watching for any mandates issued by our Local, State, and/or Federal Government.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, we encourage customers to use electronic banking whenever possible. This may be a good time for you to enroll in Online Banking and we are available to help walk you through it.

• You can always call our Contact Center at 203.729.4442 during the hours of 7am to 8pm Monday-Friday and 7am to 3pm on Saturday

• Our Online Banking system, iBanking, is available to you 24/7 through your PC or on your phone using our mobile app

• Ion Bank Personal Teller Machines let you speak to a Personal Banker with expanded hours - 7am to 8pm Monday-Friday and 7am to 3pm on Saturday

• Our PTMs/ATMs are available 24/7 for your convenience

• Call Bank-by-Phone 24/7 at 203.720.5300

Please remember to guard your confidential information. During times like these, there tends to be an increase in fraudulent activity. Now, more than ever, it is important to place security top of mind and keep your information safe. Ion Bank will never call you and ask for your PIN, account number, or Social Security number, so be on guard if you receive any unsolicited calls from fraudsters who claim they are from Ion Bank.

As a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help eliminate the spread of respiratory viruses, including;

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Stay home when you are sick

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash

• If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Again, our priority in this situation is to protect our employees, our customers and our communities from unnecessary exposure. We will continue to provide customers and employees with regular updates on any further developments to our operation….and look forward to the next 150 years.

Thank you for your continued trust in Ion Bank.

Sincerely,

David Rotatori
President & CEO
Ion Bank

Naugatuck/Bethwood Patch Mayor's note: "The Ion Bank Personal Teller Machines let you speak to a Personal Banker with expanded hours - 7am to 8pm Monday-Friday and 7am to 3pm on Saturday." This service is super easy to use; the use of your ATM card is not required as long as you know the number of the account you want to access. You may have to get out of your car so that the teller can see you.