{"id":2345,"date":"2020-04-06T09:10:39","date_gmt":"2020-04-06T13:10:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.construction.com\/newsroom_details_pag\/co-updates-guidance-for-construction-sites\/"},"modified":"2025-08-07T09:49:49","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T13:49:49","slug":"co-updates-guidance-for-construction-sites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.construction.com\/reports\/co-updates-guidance-for-construction-sites\/","title":{"rendered":"CO updates guidance for construction sites"},"content":{"rendered":"

Reduce crew sizes, focus on \u201ctruly critical\u201d activities: Colorado updates guidance for construction work during coronavirus pandemic<\/strong><\/em>
\nState further clarifies guidelines for construction industry, deemed essential under statewide coronavirus order<\/p>\n

\"\"
\nRJ Sangosti, The Denver Post
\nA construction worker stands on top of a new apartment complex being built in the RiNo neighborhood on March 5, 2020 in Denver.<\/p>\n

Construction is still considered an essential business that can keep running during the statewide limits on activity because of the coronavirus, but new guidance from the state suggests reducing crew sizes and possibly deferring nonurgent work to reduce risks.<\/p>\n

The updated guidance, released Wednesday by the Colorado Department Public Health and the Environment<\/a>, said construction can continue because of the unique issues it faces with the supply chain of materials, financing, contract deadlines and public need. But companies must adhere to guidelines for keeping people apart to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, even if that increases costs or the time it takes to finish the work, according to CDPHE.<\/p>\n

Gov. Jared Polis<\/a> on March 25 ordered all Coloradans to stay home as much as possible to slow the spread of COVID-19, the highly infectious respiratory illness caused by the new coronavirus. Businesses not deemed essential have closed to the public. Restaurants can offer only take-out or curbside service and schools are closed to in-person instruction.<\/p>\n

The statewide order runs through April 11, but Polis has extended the school closure through April 30. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock<\/a> has said he\u2019ll likely extend the city\u2019s stay-at-home through the end of April.<\/p>\n

Besides construction, businesses allowed to keep running because they\u2019re considered essential include grocery stores, agriculture, the oil and gas industry, gas stations and convenience stores. The original guidance for construction companies referred to work involving housing for low-income and vulnerable people and services needed to maintain safety and sanitation.<\/p>\n

The revisions build on the order and offer more specific guidelines, said Conor Cahill, spokesman for Polis.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Governor\u2019s top priority is to keep people safe during this pandemic and as the situation evolves we will continue to take into account the best ways to do that,\u201d Cahill said in an email.<\/p>\n

Anybody showing possible COVID-19 symptoms cannot work, the CDPHE said. Other guidance for construction workers include the following recommendations:<\/p>\n