“Boeing is extending the temporary suspension of production operations at all Puget Sound area and Moses Lake sites until further notice. These actions are being taken in light of the company's continuing focus on the health and safety of employees, current assessment of the spread of COVID-19 in Washington state, the reliability of the supply chain and additional recommendations from government health authorities”, the release read.
On 23 March, Boeing said it would shut down production for at least two weeks, during which workers who were unable to work from home would be paid.
According to The Seattle Times, there are about 70,000 employees working at the company's facilities. Such a decision will affect around 30,000 individuals. Those who can work remotely will continue to perform their duties. At the same time, according to the CNBC, citing a company spokesperson, 135 Boeing workers have contracted the coronavirus.
Washington state in the US Pacific Northwest has confirmed almost 8,000 COVID-19 cases, with 38 fatalities, according to a tracker published by the Washington State Department of Health.
