ABC Central Ohio Members,

Earlier today, Governor DeWine announced that effective Monday, March 23 at 11:59 PM all non-essential workers must remain home and/or work remotely where possible.  This “Stay At Home” Order provides specific exemptions for “essential services.”

For purposes of this Order, “individuals may leave their residence to provide any service or perform any work necessary to offer, provision, maintain and repair Essential infrastructure[This] includes, but is not limited to:… construction.” It is further stated that “Essential Infrastructure shall be construed broadly to avoid any impacts to essential infrastructure broadly defined.”

For purposes of this Order, “Essential Businesses and Operations means… Essential Infrastructure, and the followingBuilding and Construction Tradesmen and Tradeswomen, and other trades including but not limited to plumberselectricians, exterminators, cleaning and janitorial staff for commercial and governmental properties, security staff, operating engineersHVACpainting, moving and relocation services, and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintaining the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences, Essential Activities, and Essential Businesses and Operations.”

A copy of the order can be found here.

At this time, ABC Central Ohio is seeking clarification about whether this language limits private construction in any way. We currently believe that unless there is further clarification issued, a reasonable interpretation of Governor DeWine’s Order defines all construction activity as Essential and therefore exempt from the restrictions set forth in his “Stay At Home” order. However, we would be remiss in our role as your association if we didn’t acknowledge the possibility that if you are working on a standalone project for an industry deemed non-essential, you may be asked to stop construction.

As we obtain additional clarification, ABC Central Ohio recommends that you remain in close contact with your project owner.

  • Continue to monitor your workers for signs of illness. When found, send them home and continue to monitor their health
  • mplement best practices to keep sites clean and workers safe.
  • Consider staffing density levels that are greater than the 6 feet recommended by the CDC

We continue to actively monitor communication from Governor DeWine’s Office, as well as state agencies and authorities. We will share any additional information as it becomes available.

Regards,

Barton Hacker
President
ABC Central Ohio