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Texas: The Official Stance for Construction

Construction Status: Essential

With construction deemed essential for energy projects, housing, and infrastructure, the stay at home orders are extended untill April 30, 2020. Though sticking with a stay at home guidelines, a new order was released in which Governor Abbott has three new executive orders lifting many restrictions on work, travel, and retail, etc.

The state of Texas is moving towards reopening under the recent executive orders of Governor Abbott under which he has specified the plan to open activities and business. However, the state is still looking towards contact tracing and testing to ensure control over the spread and bring the state back to normal.

October 2020 Update: The recent orders issued by Governor Abbott have lifted restrictions on public gatherings and visit to the bars. However, the outdoor events are not restricted to the limit on gathering but have to stick with social distancing rules. Since September, government has also opened bidding options for public projects which can turn to be an opportunity for the contractors.

Governing Body: The Office Of Governor Greg Abbott  ​

FAQs: Texas Construction Updates on the COVID-19 Pandemic

How construction is addressed in the state?

Leaning on CISA Guidelines, construction in Texas is deemed as an essential service in the statewide orders.

However, the different counties had a different perspective on construction. For instance, Austin County has considered construction of affordable housing only as essential. However, San Antonio County has considered both residential and commercial construction as essential.

How building material suppliers are addressed in the state?

Following the guidelines of CISA memorandum, the building supply chain workers and the hardware stores are permitted to function, along with essential workforces such as electricians, plumbers, and other essential construction workers. However, the rules may vary for local or county orders and therefore must be checked or referred with the orders of local authorities.
•City of Longview
Amarillo County
Bell County
Bexar County
Brazoria County
Cameron County
Chambers County
Collin County
Dallas County Extended to May 15
•Denton County
El Paso County
Ellis County
• Fort Bend County
Galveston County
Gregg County
Harris County
Hays County
Hidalgo County
Hunt County
Kaufman County
Liberty County
McLennan County
Nacogdoches County
Nueces County
Polk County
Robertson County
Rockwall County
San Jacinto County
Scurry County
Smith County
Starr County
Tarrant County
Travis County
Willacy County
Williamson County

Are there any updates released to define workplace guidelines for employers?

Yes, the Government of Texas has announced workplace guidelines Under these guidelines, construction firms must ensure that they stick with all the safety protocols as well as precautionary measures that can help mitigate exposure

How construction could be kept open amid COVID-19?

Construction could be kept open amid COVID-19 by practicing the safety measures at the site. The workers need to ensure that they keep a safe six-foot distance at work. Moreover, the employers need to make sure that sites are completely sanitized and there should be a proper arrangement to avoid illness. These steps could include providing safety gear to the workers, sanitizing the site frequently, etc.

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