During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve experienced a near-steady stream of Executive Orders flow out of the office of Florida Governor DeSantis. Each has the goal of slowing the spread of this highly contagious and life-threatening virus, and each comes with new implications for the way we continue carrying on with work and life.

Restaurants have closed but are open for take-out, many retail doors are locked but available online, schools have switched to distance-learning while many childcare centers remain open. Thus is the state of life we are all now living in, and with it comes plenty of gray area in terms of what is considered “essential” during these times of pandemic.

Is Construction an Essential Business?

At the federal level, the Department of Homeland Security has issued “Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce”. While not a directive, it offers recommendations to help local communities and state leaders as they prioritize activities and restrictions related to COVID-19.

In Florida, construction continues to remain essential, particularly in terms of projects supporting public works and any other operation deemed essential, of which there are many, including:

• The healthcare sector
• Law enforcement, public safety, and first responders
• Food and agriculture
• Energy
• Water and wastewater
• Transportation and logistics
• Public works
• Communications and IT
• Other essential community and government operations

Because construction touches so many aspects of daily life, the definition of “essential” may vary by project and much is still left undefined. We at Seacoast Construction are taking local regulations seriously and are ensuring that we abide by any local government mandates and curfews as they arise.

We are living in uncertain times and all are doing our best to protect our community and those we love during this trying time. If you need help or are looking for guidance on how to proceed with construction during this pandemic, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at 786-433-8740.