U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Thursday announced a two-week suspension of production operations in all facilities in the Seattle area amid the coronavirus outbreak, according to FOXBusiness TV.
The decision temporarily halts two Boeing commercial aviation production facilities in the Seattle area, one in Renton and another in Everett, which produces airplanes like the 777s, 787s, 767s, and 747s.
The Everett facility, where 30,000 people work, also makes the Air Force’s KC-46 Pegasus refueling tanker.
Boeing said in a statement it is winding down production starting Monday and hopes to have all operations in the area halted by Wednesday. The company said it will continue to assess the government guidance and the COVID-19 situation while it suspends operations.
Today's announcement came only a day after the first Boeing employee reportedly died due to COVID-19.
Boeing’s latest update reported 32 confirmed cases company-wide, including 25 employees based in Washington state, according to online military magazine Defense Blog.
The Senate late Wednesday passed a historic $2 trillion stimulus package to help workers, businesses, and the healthcare system. It has gone back to the House for approval.