BC construction sites remain open, employers say they can maintain social distancing

[Sheba]

Provincial health officer confirmed construction sites exempt from guidelines on group gatherings

Many construction sites across British Columbia remain open with employers saying that, despite concerns, they are able to maintain social distancing between workers.

Some cities like Boston have already suspended all construction activities and unions in Quebec have called on their province to do the same.

But the president of the Vancouver Regional Construction Association, Fiona Famulak, says B.C. isn't there yet.

"We look to our public health officer to provide continued guidance, and our industry is ready to respond if changes occur," Famulak said.

This week provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry confirmed that construction sites are exempt from provincial guidelines prohibiting gatherings of more than 50 people.

Famulak says contractors need to be vigilant about keeping the required one- to two-metre distance between workers.

On Thursday, Henry confirmed that the 50-person prohibition also doesn't apply to industrial sites, meaning large-scale projects such as the Site C dam and LNG Canada.

"These are less risky environments for the most part even though you may have a lot of people there," Henry said. "For most industrial sites this is not a difficult accommodation and this is something employers should pay attention to."

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