ATLANTA - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention headquarters in Atlanta was much quieter on Wednesday, after the government shutdown forced thousands of employees off the job.

"It’s like a dead zone," one CDC worker told FOX 5. "A lot of sad faces."

CDC staff furloughed

What we know:

More than half of the CDC’s staff, about 8,700 employees, have been furloughed, according to plans published by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Of those, 1,500 could lose their jobs altogether, the plan says.

SEE ALSO: Government shutdown begins: Here's how it could impact Georgia

"For those of us who are still working there, morale has never been lower, honestly," Peter Farruggia, chairman of AFGE Local 3883, said. "I have been furloughed today, and we don't know how long thi

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