Cuomo Will Restrict More Construction Work in New York

(Bloomberg) -- New York Governor Andrew Cuomo will revise his business-closing order to restrict more construction projects, as cases of the new coronavirus continue to rise.

Construction had been on the state’s list of essential services along with hospitals, grocery stores and pharmacies, which will continue to operate throughout the health crisis. Details on what will still be considered essential construction has not yet been released.

The governor’s office confirmed reports about the planned revision.

Cuomo is slated to give a virus briefing at 11:30 a.m. at the Javits Center in Manhattan.

The news comes as the number of cases in New York state soared over 37,000 Thursday, and the death rate reached 385.

Cuomo’s March 20 order for businesses to close exempted construction, including electricians, plumbers, and construction firms for “essential infrastructure or for emergency repair and safety purposes.” Workers unions had said the definition was too broad and should be tailored so construction jobs that were not essential were shut down.

(Adds details from executive order in last paragraph)

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