Massachusetts: The Official Stance for Construction

Construction Status: Restricted
Orders/Effective From: Statewide Emergency with Phased Opening/May 18, 2020

With the rising of confirmed cases to 55000 in the state, the authorities have declared statewide emergency orders until May 4, 2020. Though construction was deemed as essential, the cities of Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville have suspended construction completely for a temporary amount of time.

However, on May 18, Governor Baker has announced phased opening under which business and workplace need to comply with safety rules and protocols. Following the phase 1 orders, a recent order has been made which has guidelines and information on Phase 2 of the reopening with many restrictions lifted.

Governing Body: ​Office of Governor Charlie Baker

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Questions about Construction during COVID-19?

Though COVID-19 has severely affected the United States, bringing a lot of restrictions and orders on continuing construction, the most significant information people seek is all about the status of construction in different states. ProjectPro is accounting software for subcontractors that has used its vast industry experience to develop a list of Frequently Asked Questions that can help contractors in dealing with COVID-19. If there is anything we have not included or missed, please reach our team. If there is anything we have not included or missed, please reach our team.

FAQs: Status of Construction

How construction is addressed by the state authorities?

With the emergency orders in the state, construction work, or the workforce that is considered essential are given an exemption. But still, most of the restrictions have been issued from the Boston region under which essential road construction, utility buildings, public health facilities, shelters, transportation, and other necessary residential work is permitted.

Moreover, anything which is related to emergency services like roads, hospitals, gas or water leaks, and maintenance is kept into essential category.
Commercial building material suppliers who deal with hardware and other necessary material for home improvement are listed as essential.
With the orders of authorities in Boston to precede construction work for residential buildings, it seems that construction is an essential component that exempts construction subcontractors and vendors to operate during an emergency.For more information, read the guidance issued by Boston authorities.
Yes, the state is all prepared to resume construction amid COVID-19 with a safety response plan. These include best practices based on current circumstances and information. However, the information may vary depending on updates by Federal Health Agencies and future circumstances.
Yes, tracking data related to contracts, expenses, estimated delivery, job schedules, etc. would demonstrate project progress and interruptions due to COVID-19 restrictions, and in turn, help reduce project losses. This is a straightforward task for construction firms who have a robust project management and accounting software in place.

If you would like to know more about how ProjectPro could help you reduce losses due to project interruptions during COVID-19,Schedule a demo today!
Yes, the state has issued strict Jobsite rules and protocols for construction firms and contractors which are a mandate for all. These include social distancing practices, hygiene protocols, staffing, and operations guide, and all other necessary information that can help ensure safety at the site.
To help the contractors and construction companies seek aid to protect Cash Flow, the state government has provisioned SBA COVID-19 economic injury disaster loan application. Moreover, the state is also leading the contractors in the state to gain benefits under the CARES Act provisions.
To keep a log all the data related to estimated work hours Vs actual work hours, inventory, billings, payroll, and other project data, project management software in construction could be used. This data can be used as evidence to justify the Force Majeure provisions and avoid any unwanted loss to the business caused due to liabilities on delay.
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