GEORGETOWN, Ky. (LEX 18) — Toyota announced on Wednesday that it will be suspending production for several days due to the novel coronavirus.

According to Rick Hesterberg, spokesperson for TMMK, production is suspended on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday. TMMK employees will receive full pay for everything that isn't overtime and will not be asked to use PTO these days. The announcement comes following a similar announcement in Detroit where production has shut down at Ford and General Motors.

The situation is fluid, Hesterberg says, and could change as the situation with COVID-19 develops.

Hesterberg released the following statement on the plant closure:

“Toyota is temporarily suspending production at all of its automobile and components plants in North America, including Canada, Mexico and the U.S. The manufacturing facilities will be closed from March 23-24, resuming production on March 25, 2020. In addition, Toyota’s plant in Georgetown, Kentucky (TMMK) will cancel Saturday production on March 21 and daily overtime.

This action is being taken to help ensure the health and safety of our employees, and due to an anticipated decline in market demand related to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will conduct a thorough cleaning at all of our manufacturing facilities during the shutdown. This also will allow Toyota employees to prepare and adjust family plans in relation to regional directives to close schools. To support employees, Toyota will continue to offer full pay to all employees for Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24. The safety and security of our employees, stakeholders and community are a top priority and we will continue to monitor the situation and take action in a timely manner.”

