Local Data Lists Jobsites as Top Spot for COVID-19 Outbreaks

Construction jobsites have appeared to be much safer against COVID-19, but a multitude of reports and data are saying otherwise. Construction Dive says jobsite outbreaks have gained attention in San Francisco and the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, but not much past those events. Even the CEO of the Associated General Contractors trade association told members this month that the industry has fared better against outbreaks than “so many other sectors of the economy.” But public health data and academic studies have found jobsites to be within the top three most dangerous work settings for COVID-19 in some areas.

Consider:

Construction had 106 COVID-19 outbreaks in Washington state through Nov. 12, the third highest total for all settings, behind only restaurants and produce packing, according to the Washington State Department of Health.

Construction and manufacturing had the third highest total of all outbreak settings tracked by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services through Nov. 12, behind only long-term care facilities and schools.

Construction sites account for the second highest number of COVID-19 clusters in Nashville, Tennessee, behind only long-term care facilities and ahead of bars, according to the Metro Public Health Department.

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