DBIA’s mission is to provide the best resources available to help inform and empower our industry. In these uncertain times, that mission is even more important. As our communities fight the Coronavirus, we are working to find the best information available to help design-build teams navigate the unknown. This daily newsletter will provide the latest COVID-19 news for the AEC community.
Design-builders deliver in times of crisis and we will again.
If you have COVID-19 news impacting the AEC industry from your organization, state or community please email us.
April 30th
National
‘Second-week crash’ is time of peril for some covid-19 patients-Washington Post. For people who suffer the most severe reactions to the novel coronavirus, the second week can become a time of sudden peril and heightened concern, when some of those who seem stable or on the mend can suddenly become critically ill.
Many field hospitals went largely unused, will be shut down-AP News. When virus infections fell short of worst-case predictions in soma areas, the globe was left dotted with dozens of barely used or unused field hospitals. Many of the facilities will now be kept on standby for a possible second wave of infections. Some could even be repurposed as testing sites or recovery centers.
States
California
Los Angeles is now the first major US city to offer free coronavirus testing for all residents-CNN. Los Angeles is offering free coronavirus testing to all residents, becoming the first major United States city to do so. The testing became available Wednesday night, and those who get tested at drive-thru testing sites can usually get results within 24 to 48 hours. Those with symptoms will be given first priority, but the mayor encouraged even asymptomatic residents to get tested.
Michigan
Michigan construction work to resume May 7, Gov. Whitmer spokeswoman says-Detroit Free-Press. Residential and commercial construction work will resume in Michigan on May 7, a spokeswoman for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer confirmed Wednesday. Whitmer had earlier said that residential and commercial construction would be among the first sectors of the economy to reopen as she gradually lifts her stay-at-home order.
New York
N.Y. Building Sites Reopen, Carefully, in Sign of Life Gearing Back Up-New York Times. The construction industry, an engine that has helped power New York City’s tremendous growth in recent years, is slowly starting to reawaken. More than 5,200 construction projects have reopened in New York City, offering a glimpse of new routines in post-pandemic workplaces.
Pennsylvania
Construction to resume in Pennsylvania with many new protocols-Construction Dive. Construction will resume May 1 in Pennsylvania, one of the few states that shut down all but critical work during COVID-19. Gov. Tom Wolf’s guidance for restarting construction activity includes many safety protocols unheard of on job sites before the pandemic. This includes face masks for all employees, handwashing stations and staggered shifts.
Washington
Gov. Inslee to extend coronavirus stay-at-home order, outline how Washington’s economy will reopen-Seattle Times. The governor says he’ll extend his stay-at-home order for Washingtonians, but he will also outline what reopening the state’s economy will look like once he and state officials feel the threat from the new coronavirus has receded. The order was scheduled to lift at the end of the day on May 4, but Inslee and state officials have said in the past an extension was likely.
Industry
OSHA Guidance for the Construction Industry During Coronavirus Disease 2019-National Law Review. National Law Review has issued several GT Alerts on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). This fourth Alert covers recently published guidance provided by OSHA for the construction industry, “COVID-19 Guidance for the Construction Workforce.”
FMI’s Outlook Preview & CIRT Current Issues Survey: Second Quarter 2020-FMI. One of FMI’s latest surveys breaks down how developing economic conditions are impacting the design and construction industry. The report also provides interim guidance on FMI’s construction put in place forecasts.
COVID-19 Impact Sends Engineering and Construction Costs Negative for First Time Since November 2016-IHS Markit. After 41 consecutive monthly increases, engineering and construction costs fell in April, according to IHS Markit and the Procurement Executives Group. The Engineering and Construction Cost Index registered 34.9 in April, after staying barely neutral in March. Any figure below 50 indicates falling prices.
Contact our editors if you have COVID-19 news impacting the AEC industry to share.