As we continue to evaluate the coronavirus and its effects on the Philadelphia region, we want to make you aware of updates regarding the response of the City of Philadelphia. At this time, one of our primary goals as your association is to maintain a clear line of communication in order to support our members in maintaining a safe and healthy workforce.
Philadelphia city officials today announced new restrictions on commercial activity, and a halt to all non-essential City government operations, in order to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus in Philadelphia. Changes on commercial activity are effective, Monday, March 16, 2020 at 5 p.m. A precise end date has not been determined. Click below to read the city’s announcement:
We have been advised by the Mayor’s office that construction activity does not fall under the newly announced restrictions on business activity in Philadelphia.
This guidance from the Mayor’s office has been further supported by the statement released today by the Philadelphia Building Trades Council:
Above all, it is important to reiterate these basic safety protocols that most people already know, which will limit your possible exposure to the coronavirus. Wash your hands frequently, don’t touch your face, stay home if you’re sick.
Hygiene is of the utmost importance at this time. Here is a link to some tips regarding how to keep your workforce healthy and safe:
The Centers for Disease Control advises us to watch for the following symptoms associated with the coronavirus: fever, cough and shortness of breath are the warning signs. If an employee displays any of these symptoms, or is feeling unwell, they should seek medical attention and stay home.
In response to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, GBCA is providing employers with guidance on how to ensure workers’ safety on jobsites. We have received information about proper hygiene and policies for shielding workers from general exposures, and now we are identifying policies and procedures that are specific to construction jobsites.
Additionally, GBCA has compiled a Toolbox Talk for employer use. Information contained is from OSHA and the CDC. It is important to understand the risks, and then steps for our workforce to follow in order to protect themselves from exposure. Please review the information with your workforce to convey the proper identification and protection procedures to reduce exposure.
GBCA will continue to monitor all information and disseminate to our members the most relevant and timely information. Through proper knowledge of the virus, we can plan our response based on facts, and not on opinions.
Other Relevant Documents and Resources
You can stay on top of the latest news and developments with the coronavirus outbreak by frequently checking the City of Philadelphia’s special coronavirus website.
You can also stay up to date by frequently checking the CDC’s website.
OSHA has also provided a detailed document which outlines how we can prepare our workforce for the coronavirus.
The National Safety Council has also prepared a webinar: Coronavirus (COVID-19): What You Need To Know In Partnership with Centers for Disease Control
