(CNN) The United Auto Workers union is calling on Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to shut down their US factories for two weeks amid the coronavirus outbreak.

In a letter sent to union members, UAW President Rory Gamble said the union has requested the shutdown "to safeguard our members, our families and our communities."

The automakers asked for 48 hours to consider other plans, according to the letter. The automakers and the UAW had announced last weekend that they were creating a joint task force to come up with practices to keep factories safe from the coronavirus.

GM GM "The members of the Task Force have been working diligently since Sunday and that work continues,"spokesman Jim Cain said.

Fiat Chrysler FCAU "FCA has already implemented extensive protocols to ensure the health and welfare of our workforce,"spokeswoman Jodi Tinson said in an email. "We are continuing to carefully monitor the situation and are making improvements as needed."

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