Construction considered essential in many US regions

Construction in the US amid coronavirus precautions continues for now in most places and could indefinitely, if industry officials can persuade government to include various aspects of the industry among other essential business. Trade associations, such as the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the Association for Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Associated Equipment Distributors (AED) and Equipment Dealers Association (EDA) are all advocating for various facets of construction to be exempt from existing and potential public health policies that would require work stoppages resulting in economic hardship for workers as well as numerous other negative consequences to the general economy.  On 18 March, AGC joined a host of other business groups in calling on Congress to enact a number of tax-related measures to safeguard companies, regardless of size, during the COVID-19 outbreak.