The Daily Reporter – WI Construction News & Bids Wisconsin's Construction Authority
Although COVID-19 has shut down much of public life, Wisconsin’s construction industry will keep working.
An executive order means much of Wisconsin’s construction industry is considered essential during the crisis. That designation means most contractors will keep working for the foreseeable future. Employers, however, must still take steps to prevent the spread of the virus at work.
READ MORE: Evers issues safer-at-home order with exception for most construction
Industry safety officials recommend keeping employees at least six feet apart during work, sanitizing equipment and shared spaces, screening workers for COVID-19 symptoms and taking other steps to prevent the spread of the virus.
The Associated General Contractors of Wisconsin, and the AGC of Greater Milwaukee each maintain guidelines to help contractors cope with the outbreak. The Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin also keeps resources and updates for companies.
Coronavirus updates for NCSRCC members
Preventing cyber crime during COVID-19
READ MORE: BEST PRACTICES: Contractors taking steps to keep crews safe during outbreak
Latest Headlines
- Q&A: Safety a big concern as workers return to their jobs
- OSHA revises guidance for employer reporting of COVID-19 cases
- Panel discusses COVID-19’s effects on contracts, HR, projects
- Coronavirus-triggered layoffs in US hit nearly 39 million
- ON THE LEVEL: With Kessenich, AGC of Greater Milwaukee places priority on local experience (VIDEO)
- $25 million in COVID-19 rent assistance on offer (UPDATE)
- Evers unveils plan for spending $1 billion to fight COVID-19
- US home construction drops 30.2% in April as virus rages
- OPINION: Politicians failed us. So it’s up to citizens to protect Wisconsin.
- Evers gives up on virus restrictions amid GOP opposition (UPDATE)
- Sweeping federal lawsuit seeks election changes in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin again? Swing state a hotbed of virus politics
- Wisconsin reports 456 new cornonavirus cases, no new deaths
- Attorneys: Local stay-at-home orders on shaky legal ground
- Contracts and COVID-19: How to make sure you’re protected when there’s a project delay
- Wisconsin governor warns of ‘massive confusion’ after ruling
- Court ruling opening Wisconsin brings concern, Trump praise
- ON THE LEVEL: 18 months into leading trade association, Kowalski finds himself faced with global pandemic (VIDEO)
- Wisconsin Supreme Court blocks Evers’ stay-home extension (UPDATE)
- Wisconsin hair salon owner sues over stay-at-home order
State Resources
The Badger Bounce Back plan includes gating criteria (metrics and data) that the state will use to determine when it can begin to allow people to interact and, more importantly, get Wisconsinites back to work. See the page from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
The Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. maintains information for businesses deemed “essential” during the outbreak. The agency also maintains information for small businesses affected by COVID-19.
The state’s Department of Workforce Development has its own guidelines for employers and workers. The department administers the state’s unemployment-insurance program. The agency also maintains a webpage devoted to in-demand jobs in industries that are continuing to operate during the outbreak.
READ MORE: Evers to modify work-search mandate for those left jobless due to COVID-19
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services keeps up-to-date information about the spread of the virus and steps to prevent it. The state also maintains a clearinghouse for new COVID-19 information.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation is continuing to bid out infrastructure projects during the crisis. Likewise, the Wisconsin Department of Administration will continue to oversee state construction projects. The agency has asked general contractors to report when a worker contracts COVID-19 or exhibits symptoms, and will conduct bid openings by Skype or by mail.
READ MORE: Wisconsin, neighboring states, move ahead with spring bid lettings
The state Department of Safety and Professional Services is also continuing to conduct building inspections — usings photos and video to limit contact in some cases — and may waive continuing education requirements, depending on circumstances, for licensed plumbers.
Milwaukee County and Statewide Coronavirus Summary (from Voro.com, numbers updated in real-time)
RELIEF AND RECOVERY RESOURCES FOR YOUR BUSINESS (from WEDC)
Federal Resources
President Donald Trump on March 27 signed the CARES Act, a roughly $2 trillion relief package that includes billions for state and local governments, businesses and cash for direct stimulus checks of at least $1,200 for most Americans.
Some key policies in the bill include boosting unemployment insurance by up to $600 a week for those receiving the benefit, a variety of tax breaks and tax credits and cash for state and local governments. Wisconsin could get about $2.2 billion, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau.
READ MORE: Stimulus bill proposes $299B for small business interruption loans
READ MORE: SHOT IN THE ARM: Industry looks forward to stimulus, calls for more action
About a week earlier, Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which requires employers to give their workers 12 weeks of paid leave. The U.S. Department of Labor has published a number of briefings about the new paid-leave rule, including a fact sheet for employees, another for employers and a Frequently Asked Question page.
The agency also maintains additional information about the spread of the virus.
The U.S. Small Business Administration runs low-interest loan programs and other efforts to help companies through the economic slowdown brought about by the outbreak.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has also published guidelines for preparing workplaces to prevent the spread of the virus. OSHA may consider COVID-19 a reportable incident in some circumstances, particularly if an employee catches the illness at work.
The Centers for Disease Control also maintains the information about the spread of the virus and steps that can be taken to prevent it.
Message from the CDC
Know How it Spreads
Know How it Spreads
Know How it Spreads
- There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
- The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Take steps to protect yourself
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Take steps to protect others
Stay home if you’re sick
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
- If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Take steps to protect yourself
Take steps to protect yourself
Take steps to protect yourself
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Take steps to protect others
Take steps to protect others
Take steps to protect others
Stay home if you’re sick
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
- If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.