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.
May 20th
National
All 50 U.S. states have taken steps toward reopening in time for Memorial Day weekend-Washington Post. By today, all 50 states will have begun lifting restrictions put in place to combat the coronavirus outbreak. Many public health officials and politicians, however, continue to raise concerns that increased activity will put Americans at greater risk of a new surge of infections.
COVID-19 will cause North America construction output to fall by $122.4bn in 2020-Global Data. Amid the rapid decline in demand for new projects and safety regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, construction output in North America is now anticipated to fall by 6.6% in 2020. This is down sharply from the previously expected rise of 0.6% prior to the outbreak, according to GlobalData.
States
Florida and Georgia facing scrutiny for their Covid-19 data reporting-CNN. Florida and Georgia, two states that were among the first to announce the reopening of businesses and public spaces amid the health crisis, have come under scrutiny for their reporting on Covid-19 cases.
Massachusetts
Construction Companies In Boston Submit COVID-19 Safety Plans, Eager To Begin Work-CBS Boston. As the reopening process gets underway in the city of Boston, construction companies must follow a set of strict guidelines to keep workers safe and prevent the spread of Coronavirus. “In every case, we’re requiring contractors to submit a COVID-19 safety plan before returning to work,” Boston’s mayor said.
Pennsylvania
How a Philadelphia contractor is adapting to slower pace of work amid pandemic-Construction Dive. This Q&A with the President of LOTT Restaurant Construction gives insight into how firms are being affected by the slow work caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Texas
Tracking more COVID-19 cases among construction workers, their families-KXAN News. Since Gov. Abbott deemed all construction essential in late-March, construction workers have remained on the job through much of the pandemic. Now, Austin Public Health and worker advocates say they’ve been watching “significant increase” this month in the spread of coronavirus among these workers and their families.
Florida
Florida Dismisses A Scientist For Her Refusal To Manipulate State’s Coronavirus Data-NPR. A scientist who created Florida’s COVID-19 dashboard says she has been dismissed after she refused to make changes to data supporting the state’s plan to reopen.
Industry
How AI and remote collaboration tools could help the construction industry get back to work-Venture Beat. In the two-plus months of global lockdown, much of the digital debate has focused on the pandemic’s longterm impact on the global workforce. Since not all industries lend themselves to working from home, digital technology could play a pivotal part in getting the construction industry back on its feet.
Contractors challenged by lack of labor, jobsite tension and delays-Construction Dive. In most jurisdictions, projects are coming back on line, and construction managers are struggling to fill jobs. There are several factors suppressing skilled labor across the country. Two important factors include unemployment benefits from the CARES act and fear of contracting the virus.
Infection control in office buildings: Preparing for re-occupancy amid the coronavirus-BD+C Network. After decades of favoring density, office tenants are now thinking about how to better protect their workers from disease transmission. Even creative ideas like the “6-foot office” concept require an agreement among workers and employers to stick to it.
Contact our editors if you have COVID-19 news impacting the AEC industry to share.