Update: All New York construction is essential, for now

Gov. Andrew Cuomo: 'We need everyone to be safe, or no one can be safe.'

New York is being put on PAUSE to fight the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, announced Gov. Andrew Cuomo as all nonessential services went into a shelter in place lockdown on Sunday night at 8 p.m.

On the list of nonessential operations include, bars, restaurants, malls, movie theaters, gyms, businesses providing grooming services (barbershops, nail salons, and hairdressers), casinos, theaters, sporting events, and “worship services.”

In an executive order, the governor made all construction sites essential operations with hospitals (of course) and other health care facilities, child care, news media, grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, trash collection transportation and mail delivery and more as part of the governor's 10-point plan to tackle the pandemic.

However, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has taken issue with all construction being considered "essential," as it includes luxury condo work.

In addition, open businesses must take all the necessary precautions required to be sure that they are still practicing social distancing and keeping employees healthy.

In Boston, a similar directive has been given to construction sites in the city but outlining essential construction projects. Similarly, the state of Pennsylvania has also followed up with its own shutdown directives.

There have been more than 15,000 confirmed coronavirus cases in New York.

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Emell Derra Adolphus has more than a decade of writing and journalism experience. He is senior editor of ENR’s Top Lists and Survey Rankings at ENR magazine and frequently contributes stories on technology, climate resiliency, diversity, equity and inclusion.