QUINNESEC — The Breitung Township Board agreed Monday to pay its hourly employees wages equal to a 40-hour work week through the statewide shutdown to stem the spread of coronavirus.

Effective Tuesday, township employees are expected to stay at home through April 14 unless requested to complete “essential services” on behalf of the township.

The decision came after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told Michigan residents to stay home starting today unless their work is deemed necessary to protect life or conduct minimum basic operations

Board Supervisor Denny Olson said the measure would allow the township to provide for its employees while protecting their health.

Township attorney William Fahey said the decision was supported by Whitmer’s order, noting some employees such as those in the Department of Public Works are considered critical infrastructure workers.

The board decided at a special meeting a week ago to close the Township Hall in Quinnesec, though some employees continue to work in the building or remotely at home.

In other business, the board tabled a request by Breitung Township Volunteer Fire Chief Jeff Iverson to seek bids for portable radios, programming and microphones. The board will revisit the request in May.