Boeing, which stopped production at its plants in Washington state on March 25, announced it will suspend production at one of its helicopter plants just outside of Philadelphia at the close of business on Friday.

"Suspending operations at our vital military rotorcraft facilities is a serious step, but a necessary one for the health and safety of our employees and their communities," said Steve Parker, a Boeing vice president in charge of the plant.

The suspension of work at plants in Washington state occurred after the coronavirus-related death of an employee in Everett, Washington. On Wednesday the United Auto Workers union, which represents the Boeing hourly employees in Philadelphia, told members there have been two confirmed coronavirus cases among employees there. While one was working remotely, one had been continuing to work at the factory. No further information on their condition was revealed.

The company said it plans to resume operations on April 20, although a decision to resume work will be based on further government guidance and actions on COVID-19 and associated impacts on operations.