Pfizer says it plans to lay off 285 people from its Pearl River campus by the end of March. That's approximately 28% of the 1,000-plus people employed at the location.

Russo’s, a pizza shop nearby on East Central Avenue, would serve employees for lunch.

"It's unfortunate because a lot of the people that did come in here, we won’t see anymore,” said Fil Schloss, of Russo’s.

According to the New York Department of Labor, Pfizer says the layoffs are because of economic reasons.

Online reports point to the declining need for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Pfizer said in a statement, "Pfizer has launched an enterprise-wide cost realignment program. Various areas of Pfizer’s global enterprise are making changes to operate more efficiently and effectively. These changes are being implemented on a rolling basis and will differ area to area. Part of the effort will result in some job loss across a number of our locations, including our Pearl River, NY site. All job-related decisions have and will be made with transparency, compassion, and respect, and in compliance with applicable laws. A generous separation package will be offered to U.S. colleagues whose roles are eliminated and each will continue to have the opportunity to post for internal Pfizer roles.”

“Especially this time of year ... for the employees, certainly very sad," said Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny.

Kenny says Pfizer’s plan to expand at their North Middletown Road site is still on but pushed back.

According to Pfizer’s website, Pearl River is their primary location for global vaccine research and development work.