MORE: Coronavirus: Clark, Champaign see massive jump in jobless claims
“In response, we are acting quickly to redeploy or temporarily furlough associates who are unable to work due to temporary closure, cancellation and low census in primary care, outpatient and surgical services,” it added.
As a result, a total of 700 support services associates who are not directly working on coronavirus related activities will be furloughed for 30 to 90 days, according to representatives of Mercy Health.
MORE: Coronavirus: 5 things Clark, Champaign residents need to know today
In addition, there has been a suspension on hiring for any positions not directly impacting Mercy Health’s coronavirus care responses. Those furloughed will be paid for working through April 3 and then available PTO hours will be used until depleted, according to an official statement from the hospital network.
Those furloughed will be eligible for unemployment benefits, according to Nanette Bentley, a spokesperson with Mercy Health.