COVID-19 Resource Center

Across the world we are facing uncertain times together as the COVID-19 crisis continues to evolve. During these challenging times, SWR Institute is committed to communicating proactively with all of our members as we navigate these uncharted waters together. This is why we created a COVID-19 RESOURCE CENTER.  This resource center is dedicated entirely to COVID-19 and will include daily updates from the government, helpful resources/links, and provide you with ways you and your company can make a difference. 

Latest news about COVID-19 and its impact in the construction industry

Getting cash for your small business through the Cares Act
        CARES Act Summary

Construction Daily News & Resource Tracker

US Map of construction impact due to the COVID-19

State & MSA Construction Activity

Managing a Coronavirus Related Construction Project Shutdown

New Department of Homeland Security guidance has clarified construction's role in supporting essential critical infrastructure. 

How COVID-19 is impacting the AEC Industry

Short--term pain but strong rebound

OSHA COVID-19
      1. OSHA Resource Page
      2. Enforcement Guidance for Use of Respiratory Protection Equipment Certified under Standards of Other Countries or 
      Jurisdictions During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic. 
      3. New OSHA videos offer quick tips on assessing and responding to workplace risks to reduce the spread of COVID-19
      4. Key OSHA Standards for COVID-19  
      5. Prevent Worker Exposure to COVID-19. New poster is available for download in English, or Spanish.
      6. Protect Yourself during a Pandemic, English Version & Spanish Version
      7. Fit-Testing for N95 Filtering Facepieces During the COVID-19 Outbreak

CPWR for the Construction Industry
      1. COVID-19 Resource Page 
      2. Guidance on COVID-19 in English and Spanish that CPWR is updating regularly
      3. Toolbox Talk about COVID-19.

SWR Institute Board Member, Jessica Maguire (Allied Waterproofing, Inc) created a QR Code for her crews to submit their daily COVID-19 logs. Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to create your own QR Code. 

DOL releases additional information on small business FFCRA exemption - Updated 4/2/20
Early guidance states exemption applies to leave requirements related only to school and day care closings

Within the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which takes affect today, there is an exemption option for employers with fewer than 50 employees whose business viability would be impacted due to the FFCRA employer requirements.

In DOL guidance (Q58 & Q59) released this past weekend, the exemption would relieve qualified small businesses from providing emergency paid sick leave and paid expanded family and medical leave for reasons only related to school closings and child care unavailability. All employers, even those with fewer than 50 employees, are still required to provide up to 80 hours of paid sick leave for employees under the new Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act when an employee is unable to work or telework and meet one of the criteria listed here

As part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), employers with fewer than 500 employees must post a Department of Labor (DOL) model notice informing employees of their rights to emergency paid sick leave and emergency paid family and medical leave for reasons linked to COVID-19. A summary of the legislation was provided in a previously issued Benefit Bulletin.

The DOL also posted frequently asked questions to help employers comply with the posting requirement. For employers who have employees working remotely, the DOL advises the notice be emailed, mailed or posted on an employee internal or external website. There is no requirement to provide the notice to recently laid-off individuals or new job applicants. Otherwise, the notice must be posted in conspicuous places in the workplace where employee notices are customarily posted.

Click here to view entire document​

Department of Labor(DOL)/Health and Human Services (HHS) publication Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 is now available in English & Spanish

***SWR Institute Member Forum - Communicate with your fellow members on SWR Institute’s Member Forum to share information and ask and answer questions in real time

CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ARTICLES
  • 04/03 – FL – Miami Dade construction moves ahead. Read here.
  • 04/03 – FL – Construction OK in Florida. Read here.
  • 04/03 – WA – DOT moving ahead with projects but faces worker and material shortages. [paywall] Read here.
  • 04/03 – WI – Gov proposal would cover overruns from site closures. Read here.
  • 04/03 – TX – Howard Hughes Corp puts a halt on some construction. [paywall] Read here.
  • 04/03 – PA – DOT unfreezes 60 critical highway projects. Read here.
  • 04/03 – CA – Construction chugging along in LA, but is warned. Read here.
  • 04/02 – US – Jobsites face array of state restrictions. Read here.
  • 04/02 – TX – Builders believe new order in Austin will let some construction resume. Read here.
  • 04/02 – MA – Building trade call for shutdown. Read here.
  • 04/02 – FL – Tampa issues guidelines for construction. Read here.
  • 04/02 – FL – Gov accelerates bridge project. Read here.
  • 04/01 – CA – Most Bay Area construction banned. [paywall] Read here.
  • 04/01 – TX – Timeline of Texas high speed rail uncertain. [paywall] Read here.
  • 04/01 – TX – After backlash Austin builders can apply for exemption. [paywall] Read here.
  • 04/01 – TN – Planning commission moves to dial in plan for meetings. [paywall] Read here.
  • 04/01 – NC – Triangle construction pushes forward. [paywall] Read here.
  • 03/31 – NH – Distribution center in Kingston moves ahead despite pandemic. Read here.
  • 03/31 – NY – Pandemic won’t upend key NYC projects. Read here.
  • 03/31 – NY –  What is nonessential construction? [paywall] Read here.
  • 03/31 – NY – NYC announces fines of up to $10K for ignoring ban. [paywall] Read here.
  • 03/31 – CO – Construction industry keeps going. Read here.
  • 03/31 – TX – Construction stopping at Indeed Tower in Austin, others press on. [paywall] Read here.
  • 03/31 – TX – Dallas won’t stop construction. [paywall] Read here.
  • 03/31 – DC – Work on big projects continues. [paywall] Read here.
  • 03/31 – FL – Miami-Dade halts construction inspections. Read here.
  • 03/31 – CA – SF looks to limit construction. Read here.
  • 03/31 – CA – Work continues at Rams stadium. Read here.
  • 03/31 – WA – Construction resumes on NHL arena. [paywall] Read here.
  • 03/27 – US – States assert authority to deem workers as essential. [paywall] Read here.
  • 03/27 – US – Trump signs stimulus bill. Potentially billions for construction. Read here.
  • 03/27 – US – Construction companies lobby to keep working. [paywall] Read here.
  • 03/27 – NY – NY shuts most construction projects. Read here.
  • 03/27 – NY – More on NY ban (infrastructure, hospital and affordable housing allowed to continue). Read here.
  • 03/27 – NY – New Islanders area work stopped. Read here.
  • 03/27 – TX – Construction leaders urge end to Austin construction ban. [paywall] Read here.
  • 03/27 – TX – Some Austin construction crews say they’ll work until officials visit the site. [paywall] Read here.
  • 03/27 – TX – Construction ban being considered in Dallas County.  Read here.
  • 03/27 – CA – Major projects that could struggle during COVID-19 downturn. Read here.
  • 03/27 – MO – Kansas City large projects continue. [paywall] Read here.

GovPredict built a map showing every state’s response to the coronavirus / COVID-19. It’s a free resource as a public service.


For those wanting to help, here are 7 ways you can make a difference

  • Donate PPE Supplies. SWR Institute is urging all our member companies who have extra PPE supplies (N95 masks, gloves, safety glasses, Tyvek suits) to please donate to local hospitals right away!! Many hospitals are days away from completely running out of PPE supplies for front-line medical personnel. We cannot let this happen, so we urge our members with a surplus of PPE to donate it to your local hospital. Your company’s donation could really make a difference!
    • Listen to Craig Allender's plea to our SWR Institute family to work together and donate any extra unused PPE you may have to your local hospitals.
    • Click here to see a list of Donation Centers.
    • McGill Restoration, Inc. PPE Emergency Relief Fund: McGill Restoration, Inc. will be placing an order for masks to donate to Hospital Systems in New York, Cleveland, Nebraska, Chicago and Detroit and other hospital systems in need across the country.  They need your help to reach their goal of 1,000,000 masks donated. McGill Restoration, Inc. has secured manufacturing capacity with a Chinese EO member company and have arranged DSV Global Support and Logistics to air freight masks from Shanghai to Cleveland AT COST. Click here for more details. Make a difference and Donate Today!
  • Can you or someone you know sew? National retailer JOANN Fabrics and Craft Stores released a video tutorial on how to make face masks. The retailer encourages people to drop off them at store locations, where they will be donated to local hospitals. Some JOANN’S are providing free mask making kits, call your local JOANN’S near you
  • Contact Your Representatives. Click here to learn how
  • Donate Blood. Supplies are critically low, and blood products are still needed. It is safe, easy and takes relatively no time. Plus, you get free snacks!
  • Offer a helping hand. Consider delivering food or calling a neighbor isolated by COVID-19. Check sites like NextDoor to join a volunteer group in your area. 
  • Donate to the COVID-19 General Relief Fund.
  • Spread the word. Share fundraisers with your network to bring awareness to causes that matter to you. You can see hundreds of COVID-19 related fundraisers at GoFundMe centralized hub. 

The federal government is taking steps to stem the spread of COVID, updates to actions taken can be found below: