Peeps candy halts production due to coronavirus

Just weeks before Easter, the coronavirus has halted the production of Peeps.

Makers of the flavored marshmallow candy are “temporarily suspending production at our facilities in Bethlehem and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania” for at least two weeks, according to a statement on the Just Born Quality Confections website.

The company says all associates will be paid through the break and the two facilities will be sanitized while they are closed.

The company is only the latest example of the coronavirus halting or slowing down business. Restaurants and bars are closed in about half the states across the country, along with chain stores, independent stores and malls. Federal health guidelines warn people not to congregate in groups of 10 or more, and many locations have issued even stricter guidelines in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

There are now more than 85,000 COVID-19 cases in the U.S.

The bunny- and chick-shaped candies, one of the most iconic treats of Easter, will still appear on shelves for the holiday but the company warned there may be shortages of other items they produce, such as Mike and Ike, Hot Tamales and Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews.

“All of our PEEPS® have been produced and shipped to retailers for this upcoming Easter season,” according to the company’s statement. “We will continue to work with our retail partners to ensure that the fans of our brands can continue to enjoy them during this challenging time.”