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.
August 25th
National
While nationwide surge may be slowing, officials warn of troubling Covid-19 signs across US heartland-CNN. The U.S. recently reported a 7-day average of daily deaths below 1,000 over the weekend for the first time since July, offering hope that the summer surge may be waning. But with experts’ grim forecasts for what the fall and winter could look like in the US, now isn’t the time to ease measures.
New Covid-19 Cases in U.S. Fall to Lowest Level in More Than Two Months-Wall Street Journal. The nation reported 34,567 new cases on Sunday, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University, reaching the lowest level in more than two months and marking the ninth straight day with fewer than 50,000 new cases. That is down from 44,572 on Saturday and the lowest since June 22.
States
‘Rolling hotspots’ are the new normal: Sun Belt states see progress on coronavirus as rates drift up in the Midwest-CNN. It seems that just as states start getting coronavirus cases under control in one area, they rise in another. Sun Belt states hit hard by the coronavirus in summer — including Florida, Texas, Arizona — have finally started to see their numbers go down, only to have cases insidiously creep up across parts of the Midwest.
Coronavirus Live Updates: Cases rising in 25 states; NY key indicators see new lows-ABC 7 New York. The rising coronavirus death toll in the United States continues to be a major concern. The daily numbers of COVID-19 cases have increased in 25 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. The virus has claimed the lives of more than 176,000 Americans.
Florida
Florida adds 2,258 coronavirus cases, lowest single-day count reported since June-Miami Herald. The Florida Department of Health confirmed 2,258 additional cases of COVID-19 on Monday, bringing the state’s known total to 602,829. There were also 72 Florida resident deaths, bringing the resident death toll to 10,397.
Texas
Texas COVID data ‘far more accurate’ as state clears backlogged tests, Abbott says-San Antonio Express-News. Over the weekend, Gov. Abbott said the state’s current coronavirus statistics are “far more accurate” than they were over the past several months. The state has dealt with two separate testing backlog issues throughout the month of August, attributing one to an outdated reporting system and a second to coding errors with data from three private labs.
Industry
The COVID-19 conundrum: Money is available for new construction projects, but few are breaking ground-Construction Dive. Even in a coronavirus-challenged environment, there’s money available to build new projects; what’s rare is finding an owner who is willing to break ground. Lenders and financiers want to back good projects, but fewer developers are willing to take the risk during the continued economic uncertainty of COVID-19.
COVID-19 Language for New Construction Contracts-Globe Street. Those entering into new construction contracts should include custom language addressing the parties’ respective rights and responsibilities related to COVID-19, but the fit is not always clear. Some guesswork is involved and creativity is called upon as square pegs are coaxed into round holes.
Contact our editors if you have COVID-19 news impacting the AEC industry to share.