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John Deere Cylinder Works in Moline has temporarily halted production after confirmation that an employee there has COVID-19.

Deere & Company said in a statement Friday morning that the company learned of the coronavirus diagnosis Thursday, the same day it suspended production.

“Out of an abundance of caution, production is being briefly suspended beginning April 2 to ensure the safety of all factory personnel. Employees or contractors who may have had direct contact with the employee will be notified and put on the recommended 14-day self-quarantine,” the statement said.

“Operations are expected to resume next week. Those able to work remotely during this time will continue to do so. During the temporary closure the facility will undergo thorough disinfecting that meets or exceeds local and state health-department guidance.”

Cylinder Works in Moline, along River Drive, is in Deere’s agriculture manufacturing division and employs about 250 people, and about 20% of the workforce that are nonessential to factory operations were already working remotely.

The federal government had labeled Deere & Company as essential critical infrastructure in recent weeks, meaning the Moline-based manufacturer could continue operations as normal during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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