Grupo Modelo says it will halt the production of its beer, including its well-known Corona brand, after the Mexican government deemed its business nonessential.

The Mexican government declared a health emergency this week and ordered the suspension of nonessential businesses after more than 1,000 people were reported to be infected with the novel coronavirus.

The government said only key businesses, such as those related to agriculture or food production, could operate for the time being.

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Mexico's Grupo Modelo on Thursday said it would temporarily stop brewing Corona beer and other brands exported to 180 countries after its business activities were declared nonessential under a government order aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus.

The Mexican government this week declared a health emergency and ordered the suspension of nonessential activities after the number of coronavirus cases in the country surpassed 1,000. On Thursday, it reported 1,510 cases and 50 deaths.

The brewer said in a statement that the suspension would take effect Sunday and that it was already scaling down production to a level at which it could resume once the suspension is lifted.

"If the federal government considers it appropriate to issue some clarification confirming beer as an agro-industrial product, at Grupo Modelo we are ready to execute a plan with more than 75% of our staff working from home and at the same time guaranteeing the supply of beer," the statement said.

Agriculture and food production, in general, are considered essential activities.

Grupo Modelo, which is part of the brewing group Anheuser-Busch InBev, operates 11 breweries in Mexico.