Boston Mayor Martin Walsh has ordered that all construction projects in the city be suspended in response to the spread of the coronavirus.
Walsh’s move comes after the postponement of the Boston Marathon, cancellation of the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in South Boston, and the closure of all schools, restaurants, and bars in Massachusetts. The Bay State had a reported 164 cases of the virus on Sunday.
The shutdown is effective Tuesday. Companies will be allowed to maintain the crews necessary to make sure their sites are safe and secure until Monday, March 23, according to a report in the Boston Globe. Skeleton crews would be allowed thereafter to ensure site safety.
Walsh urged construction employers not to fire workers, pointing out that the construction market in the city is robust and will require workers again after a return to normalcy. He suggested that workers be laid off, if necessary, the Globe reported.
Related Stories
Coronavirus | Mar 25, 2020
Plaza Construction and Central Consulting & Contracting strategic alliance expands to Florida in response to coronavirus pandemic
New York City-based partnership to aid Florida healthcare systems amid COVID-19 outbreak and will continue medical construction in the region following resolution.
| Mar 25, 2020
Designing public health laboratories to safeguard researchers during pandemics
As laboratory designers, we want to shed light on a subset of our population critical to protecting us from, and preventing the spread of, severe outbreaks: public health researchers.
Market Data | Mar 23, 2020
Coronavirus will reshape UAE construction
The impact of the virus has been felt in the UAE, where precautionary measures have been implemented to combat the spread of the virus through social distancing.
Coronavirus | Mar 21, 2020
Perkins and Will’s CEO sees a light at the end of COVID-19 tunnel
Phil Harrison says the virus outbreak could make more clients see the connection between design and wellbeing.
Coronavirus | Mar 21, 2020
Construction business and union leaders call on government officials to include construction as an 'essential service' during shutdowns
The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, and the President of North America’s Building Trades Unions, Sean McGarvey, issued the following joint statement urging Government Officials to Exempt Construction Work from Regional, State and Local Work Shutdowns.
Coronavirus | Mar 21, 2020
Associated General Contractors launches eight-part webinar series around COVID-19
The programming, which begins Monday, will offer advice on how businesses might need to adjust during the virus.
Coronavirus | Mar 20, 2020
BD+C research: The AEC industry braces for tough sledding in the coming months amid COVID-19 outbreak
A new BD+C poll of U.S. architecture, engineering, and construction firms finds that companies are anticipating project postponements and delays.
Coronavirus | Mar 20, 2020
Pandemic has halted or delayed projects for 28% of contractors
Coronavirus-caused slowdown contrasts with January figures showing a majority of metro areas added construction jobs; Officials note New infrastructure funding and paid family leave fixes are needed.
Coronavirus | Mar 20, 2020
AIA implores Congress to provide relief to business owners and employees
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2020 President Jane Frederick, FAIA, and EVP/Chief Executive Officer Robert Ivy, FAIA, are urging Congress to address the critical needs of business owners and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus | Mar 20, 2020
Extending care capacity as COVID-19 grows
Coronavirus threatens to overwhelm the U.S. healthcare system. LEO A DALY’s health practice leader offers some innovative ideas for expanding access.
