The Henry Ford in Dearborn will temporarily lay off more than 80% of its employees and cut pay for others amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The museum complex estimates a minimum $10 million budget deficit for 2020, according to a press release Thursday. The staffing and pay cuts effective April 6 are meant to alleviate the long-term impact for the 90-year-old institution.

The cuts, as of Thursday, were expected to continue through May 31. The complex also will remain closed through that date. It closed on March 13.

Patricia Mooradian, president and CEO of The Henry Ford, called the pandemic and economic downturn an unprecedented crisis in the press release.

“While this time is painful for all of us, it is vital that our organization make these difficult decisions now to best position The Henry Ford for the future health and well-being of our team, our institution, our guests, our stakeholders and our community,” she said.

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The more than 80% staff cut means 1,400 employees will be temporarily out of work, according to the release.

All full-time employees will continue to keep their health benefits and all employees are eligible for unemployment assistance.

Those employees not laid off and not designated as essential workers will see a pay cut of 10% to 25%, based on their current salary, The Henry Ford reported. The small number of essential workers, doing work such as security and animal care, will not see a pay reduction.

The Henry Ford has created a Talent & Culture Help Center to aid its staff during this time, according to the release.

Contact Darcie Moran: dmoran@freepress.com.