The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a pandemic. Reported illnesses range from very mild to severe, including death. Agencies anticipate widespread transmission will occur in the U.S. in coming months and recommend social distancing among other measures to slow the spread. Call your doctor and stay home if you are sick. Get more information at CDC.gov/coronavirus or contact the Tennessee Department of Health coronavirus information line at 877-857-2945 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT daily.

Nissan Motor Co. joined other major automakers Wednesday in announcing temporary production shutdowns across the country, including in Middle Tennessee.

Manufacturing facilities will close their doors starting Friday through April 6 in response to safety concerns amid the global coronavirus pandemic, said spokeswoman Lloryn Love-Carter.

"We are taking this action to boost containment efforts where possible around the COVID-19 coronavirus," Love-Carter said. "There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 coronavirus at any Nissan facility. Areas deemed business-essential will operate with enhanced safety measures."

The company's four assembly plants include a Smyrna location that churns out 640,000 cars and SUVs a year. Its 7,250 employees will continue to be paid through the closure, as will workers at the other plants.

United Auto Workers advocated for temporary production halts nationwide over concerns for worker safety.

Honda North America, BMW, Ford Motor Co., Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and General Motors will similarly suspend manufacturing through the end of the month. The shutdown includes GM's plant in Spring Hill.

The decision comes as economists say the U.S. has entered a recession that could pose serious financial challenges for many industries, especially automakers.