Builders.org Logo
HBA of Southeastern Michigan

CONSTRUCTION MAY CONTINUE UNDER NEW ORDER

Please Take Note of Gathering Limitations and Contact Tracing Requirements

Late Sunday, November 15th, MDHHS issued a new epidemic order intended to combat the rapid increase in COVID cases in Michigan. The order takes effect Wednesday, November 18th at 12:01am through 11:59pm December 8th.

While a number of businesses face new requirements or must cease activities, the order allows work that cannot be performed from home, including residential construction and remodeling, to continue.

With that said, there are some new requirements that also now pertain to our industry, including:

  • First, the term “gathering” is defined in the order (para. 1.e.) as “…any occurrence, either indoor or outdoor, where two or more persons from more than one household are present in a shared space.” This term includes planned or unplanned gatherings of people (or workers) and thus implicitly applies to job sites, supply yards, etc.
  • Second, with respect to face masks, para. 7.c. of the order requires “…a person responsible for a business, store, office, government office, school, organized event, or other operation, or an agent of such person, must prohibit gatherings of any kind unless the person requires individuals in such gatherings (including employees) to wear a face mask…” Please note that the order (link provided below) does define exceptions for when face masks may not be required. However, this order implements a more stringent use of face masks in the workplace than required previously.
  • Third, a new requirement for contact tracing is implemented under para. 9.b. of the order, “…All businesses or operations that provide in-home services, including cleaners, repair persons, painters, and the like must not permit their employees to gather with clients unless the business maintains accurate appointment records, including date and time of service, name of client, and contact information, to aid with contact tracing.” While not explicitly stated, HBA recommends that this also applies to builders who may have model homes open for visitation by potential buyers. Finally, please note that there are specific requirements stated in the order with respect to how the information collected must be protected and limits on how it can be used.

The entire order can be found at: https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98178_98455-545136–,00.html.

Please visit HBA’s COVID Resource Page for additional resources and information.

Two factors are of paramount importance to ensuring HBA members can continue providing the residents of southeastern Michigan with safe and affordable housing. They are:

  • Instituting and following COVID-safe work practices on all of your job sites
  • Making sure each and every trade subcontractor and supplier of yours is an HBA member.

Taken together, your efforts in achieving success in these two factors will give HBA and its members the absolute best chance to avoid another shutdown.