Once it was obvious that the coronavirus outbreak had become a major threat in the United States, local and state governments began shutting down businesses they deemed nonessential. But even then, most construction work was considered essential in many areas of the country.
In New York, for example, construction projects remained open on a limited basis under Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s PAUSE executive order signed March 20. But later that month, the administration clarified that only specific essential and emergency construction services could move forward.
