BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — After receiving reports of Bakersfield Bank of America locations being closed, and ATMs only allowing deposits, 23ABC reached out to the financial institution.

A representative for Bank of America said that the recent closures were the result of staffing shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Throughout this time, we have been balancing the need to stay open to provide access for our clients while prioritizing the health and safety of our employees and clients," said the representative. "For example, this may happen when more employees find themselves needing to take time off unexpectedly to care for family members during these times and we may not have enough staff to sufficiently maintain onsite services."

In regard to the ATMs only allowing deposits, this was the result of greater usage that typically happens at the beginning of each month.

"This is a unique time in that there has been significantly greater usage at our 50 ATMs in Bakersfield by customers and the general public alike this week for a few reasons, primarily it being the first of the month with people using their California EDD cards to withdraw cash, along with more people pulling out cash for the upcoming holiday weekend."

Bank of America plans to increase maintenance schedules on their ATMs to help alleviate the issue.