Due to the coronavirus pandemic and the forced closure of all its shows worldwide, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group has been forced to make significant temporary staff reductions. According to the company, 4,679 employees will be affected by the lay offs. pic.twitter.com/ywKSX8mUEJ — Cirque du Soleil (@Cirque) March 17, 2020“This was an incredibly difficult decision for the Group, but a necessary measure to stabilize the company for the future,” the company said in a statement. Unfortunately, this decision is our only option as we are forced to position ourselves to weather this storm and prepare for eventual re-openings,’’ Daniel Lamarre, President and CEO Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group said. To keep up with the latest news on the pandemic, subscribe to News 6′s coronavirus newsletter or go to ClickOrlando.com/coronavirus.