The Royal Bank says it will help clients in the greater Toronto area who may be financially impacted by the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome.

The bank said Thursday a dedicated toll-free number (1-888-769-2598) expressly for this purpose will be available to personal and business clients effective Friday, April 25 at 9:00 a.m. EDT.

“We know that the current SARS situation is affecting many people in Toronto and we want to do our part to minimize any financial concerns for our clients who are feeling the effects most closely,” said Jim Rager, vice chairman, RBC Royal Bank. “Whether it be through loss of business or personal income, we’re prepared to consider a range of options and solutions to protect our clients’ financial security during this extraordinary situation.”

The bank says it will consider a number options for business banking clients, including deferring or lowering payments and/or providing additional operating loans based on their specific circumstances. No requests will be declined prior to a review by a senior manager. Qualified RBC Royal Bank personal clients affected by SARS may be eligible to defer up to four consecutive monthly mortgage payments under the “extended skip-a-payment” program.

The bank says it provided similar assistance during other crisis, such as during the Manitoba flood in 1997and the Quebec ice storm in 1998 and most recently to farmers in Western Canada affected by the drought situation.