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 4th
National
Coronavirus restrictions continue to loosen after a weekend of recreation and protest across US-CNN. The new week brings more reopenings across the US after a weekend many Americans spent outside. Across the nation, states like Florida, Colorado, Indiana, Nebraska, South Carolina and West Virginia will continue to slowly ease their restrictions this week, even as the number of cases and deaths rise.
Coronavirus Updates: U.S. Could See ‘Persistent Spread’ of COVID-19 Through Summer, Former FDA Chief Says-Weather Channel. This weekend, in the U.S. and around the world, people took advantage of easing COVID-19 restrictions and warm weather to return to parks, beaches, restaurants and malls. But that taste of normality comes as health experts caution that a lot needs to be done before coronavirus can be declared defeated.
States
California
Surf’s Up—and So Are Tensions—After California Closes Beaches-Wall Street Journal. Long a symbol of free-spirited life, Southern California’s beaches have been transformed into ground zero in the fight over coronavirus lockdown rules in the state. Protesters and surfers are flocking to Orange County beaches after governor shuts them down amid coronavirus pandemic.
Florida
Coronavirus update for Monday: Third straight week of 300 reported deaths as ‘Phase 1’ of reopening begins-Orlando Sentinel. As most of Florida is set to enjoy the first step of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ reopening plan, the state endured its third straight week of at least 300 reported deaths.
Georgia
The Risk Of Exposure To COVID-19 In Georgia Has Increased By More Than 40% Since The State Reopened For Business-Forbes. Georgia ranked as the 16th worst state in the US for risk of exposure to COVID-19 before Gov. Kemp began allowing businesses to reopen. Days later, the incidence rate for Georgia increased by more than 30 percent.
Michigan
Coronavirus in Michigan: 23,500 active cases, 11,000 new test results-Click On Detroit. On Saturday, May 2, the state reported about 23,500 active cases of COVID-19, the lowest such total since April 13. The state also reported an additional 7,317 recoveries from the disease as of May 1, bringing the total to 15,659 recoveries from COVID-19 in Michigan.
Texas
Travis Co. COVID-19 case count up to 1,756; Austin Animal Center to remain closed to the public through May 29-KVUE News. The City of Austin has provided guidance on activities and information for businesses that have recently opened, or plan to open soon, under Governor Abbott’s April 17 Executive Order which supersedes some provisions of the “Stay Home – Work Safe” Order.
Industry
Managing absenteeism and uncertainty on the jobsite-Construction Dive. “We cannot change the fact that COVID-19 is here in the United States and in our communities. We can change our behavior at work and home and take the steps to stay healthy.”
Coronavirus stimulus packages should help green our water infrastructure-The Philadelphia Inquirer. It is vital that the next phase of federal stimulus and infrastructure legislation include a major investment in clean and green water infrastructure as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
Managing Human Assets Gets Harder in the COVID-19 Era-Engineering News-Record. With many new federal, state and local COVID-19 rules covering a long list of workplace compliance issues for design and construction employers, the pandemic has elevated human resource managers to a new status as the knowledge center and key link between staff and chief executives.
Contact our editors if you have COVID-19 news impacting the AEC industry to share.