If COVID-19 has shown anything, it’s that the U.S. is quite unprepared to deal with a large number of sick people. Other countries have dealt with it by addressing faults in their infrastructure, like an insufficient number of hospital beds. And while the healthcare industry is in more need than ever now, these kinds of problems mean that construction contractors have a role to play, as well. Across the state, construction workers are getting ready to help. Here’s what is going on and how you can be a part of the solution.
Stay Updated on Current Guidelines
It may feel impossible to stay updated on the current status of rules concerning businesses in California right now. That said, you should still do everything you can to keep informed. At present, the state still classifies construction as an essential industry. This means that contracting businesses can continue to work on construction projects as long as they maintain proper attention to social distancing and sanitation practices. This may change at any time, so you will want to keep the latest information at your fingertips.
See What’s Happening in Your Area
Right now, the focus is on both containing the spread of COVID-19 and providing additional resources to the healthcare industry to treat people with the virus. Just like China was able to build a new hospital within a very short period of time, the state of California is mobilizing construction workers to expand and retrofit hospitals. This will make it easier for healthcare professionals to identify, diagnose and treat people who may have the virus. If you want more information about what you may be able to do, read local newspapers and social media posts from government officials. This may be the fastest way to get updates.
Get Ready for Action
Watching people come together from a large variety of industries to help produce personal protective equipment and ventilators is an inspiring sight. It is amazing what the population can do if they are only given a chance to use their skills and the resources that they already have. If you are already working on existing projects, it is probably best for you to continue meeting your obligations. But if your well of work seems to be running dry, looking for ways you can help may be able to make a big difference. This is a great time to network with other professionals in your area and see if you can team up to assist, even in small ways.
Take Advantage of Business Support Programs
While the focus is on businesses that are able to donate labor or supplies to battling COVID-19, many industries are also seeing significant cutbacks to their revenue streams. If you were worried about what the virus spread might do to your ability to keep your business running, one of the best things that you can do is start investigating the many local, state and federal programs recently implemented to help keep small businesses afloat. An interest-free loan or a grant may give you the ability to keep paying your bills while you protect your workers and help your community.
If All Else Fails, Minimize Harm
At the end of the day, every person has a responsibility to try to help contain the spread of COVID-19. A novel virus may cause significant damage, and it won’t be apparent how much until the vast majority of the threat has already passed. If you are unable to participate in assistance efforts related to COVID-19, your best bet may be simply to avoid increasing the risk for yourself and your employees. Focusing on what you can do to flatten the curve of rising cases and fatalities is a good effort all by itself.
The spread of COVID-19 has brought out the best in millions of people. If you want to be one of them, your contracting business may be able to help. To learn more about what the construction industry means to your local community, visit CSLS today!