RICHMOND, Va. -- Bon Secours Mercy Health announced Tuesday that they plan to temporarily furlough or redeploy associates who are not directly working on the COVID-19 response.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented demand for health care services. Simultaneously, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented decline in services and other work within our ministry,” the company wrote in a release.

Bon Secours said the temporary furlough will affect those who are unable to work due to temporary closure and cancellations in primary care, outpatient and surgical services and support services associates who are not directly working on COVID-19 activities.

Additionally, Bon Secours said that they have suspended hiring for any positions not directly impacting COVID-19 and care responses.

Bon Secours said the temporary furlough is expected to last 30 to 90 days. Affected associates will be paid for working through April 3, and then available PTO hours will be paid until depleted.

Full message to associates: