New York State Calls Off Non-Essential Construction

New York is stopping non-essential construction work throughout the state in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. New guidelines were released today, shutting down all but emergency construction, such as a project necessary to protect the health and safety of the occupants. Projects that would be unsafe if not completed may continue until it is safe to shut the site.

“Essential construction may continue and includes roads, bridges, transit facilities, utilities, hospitals or healthcare facilities, affordable housing and homeless shelters. At every site, if essential or emergency non-essential construction, this includes maintaining social distance, including for purposes of elevators/meals/entry and exit,” reads the guidance. “Sites that cannot maintain distance and safety best practices must close and enforcement will be provided by the state in coordination with the city/local governments. This will include fines of up to $10,000 per violation.”

Contractor members of the Building Trades Employers Association (BTEA), an association of union contractors in New York, released a statement in response to the news.

“We have supported the Governor’s efforts to keep construction jobsites open,” said BTEA president Louis J. Coletti.  “Our member contractors have implemented robust preventative protocols to protect their workers, while seeking to keep New York’s economy moving forward.  However, the current state of escalating COVID-19 cases confirms the Governor’s prudent action today in his Executive Order to shut down all non-essential construction jobsites through April 21. The protection of all our workers and all New Yorkers is paramount. We look forward to rebuilding New York’s economy when it is safe to do so.”