A study commissioned by the Mayor of Austin, Texas and performed by the University of Texas found that continuing all construction increases the risk of COVID-19 exposure and spread to the general public and especially construction workers. The number of general population infections could increase up to three times while construction worker specific infections could increase eight times. The study assumed relatively little on site COVID-19 specific protection measures and many contractors have implemented protective methods like wearing masks but the question of whether it is wise to continue all construction work remains. Infrastructure projects or projects that are a risk to the public if not completed should be top contenders for consideration as essential. Not including essential construction, work outside where social distance is more easily maintained might be easier to safely build under the current conditions. While potentially not essential during this time, keeping these projects going will help families pay bills and contribute much needed services and money to the economy.
Serious thought and analysis should be applied to the build or no build decision. All construction should probably not proceed and all construction should probably not stop. The right answer and the right mix of staying home vs building is likely in the middle.
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