Dear Kenney & Sams clients and friends,
We write to update you on significant and developing Orders directed at construction in the Commonwealth. Earlier today, Governor Baker
issued guidance
confirming and clarifying that the Commonwealth’s March 23, 2020 Order
Governor Baker’s Order states, in pertinent part: “all construction projects are to continue operations during the state of emergency, but to do so with allowance for social distancing protocols consistent with guidance provided by the Department of Public Health. Local policies, regulations or directives that provide otherwise are in direct conflict with the Order and should be withdrawn.”
With this Order, the Administration issued guidance clarifying previously issued local orders by the Mayors of Boston and Cambridge pausing non-essential construction work in their respective cities.
This afternoon, however, apparently in response to Governor Baker’s most recent order, Mayor Walsh’s office issued a
press release
, extending his March 16, 2020 Order temporarily closing jobsites in Boston. The release states that the temporary ban on construction in Boston extends until “further notice.” “The safety and health of construction workers and all residents of Boston is my first priority, and I am not willing to put that at risk as the virus spreads throughout our communities,” said Mayor Walsh. “Large gatherings such as those at construction sites have been proven to escalate the spread of the virus, and Boston must do everything in its power to flatten the curve, and stop the spread of coronavirus.”
Read
Governor Baker's letter and guidelines.
