As many as 31 states and the District of Columbia now mandate the use of facial coverings in public in some form as new infections have surged across the United States in recent weeks. Some states, such as North Carolina and New Jersey, specifically mention the construction industry in their executive orders and require compliance with the order both by workers and jobsite visitors.

On July 15, Virginia became the first state in the nation to enact an Emergency Temporary Standard to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The ETS will go into effect at the end of July.

On July 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Great American Outdoor Act (S. 3422/H.R. 1957), which was introduced by Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), by a vote of 310-107. The bill is expected to be signed into law by President Trump. Ahead of the vote, ABC sent a letter to the House in support of the legislation, urging the swift consideration and approval of the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Since March, ABC has supported its members and chapters with an expansive array of information, guidance and advocacy to guide them through the current coronavirus pandemic.

On July 15, the Council on Environmental Quality issued a final rule on updating and modernizing its National Environmental Policy Act regulations.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division published additional guidance to address the requirements and protections under several of the laws enforced by the agency as workplaces reopen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABC’s political action committee is hosting two upcoming meet and greet events featuring Sens. David Perdue (R-Ga.) and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) on Tuesday, July 28, where ABC members will have the opportunity to hear a real-time legislative and political update. 

This week, Congress began working on the passage of additional COVID-19 relief for individuals and businesses. Negotiations will largely rely on the ability of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy to produce a bill that both sides can agree on and that the president will sign.

On Thursday, July 30, ABC will continue its Election Briefing Series with an update from the Republican National Committee with special guest Elliot Echols, Trump Victory national field director. It will be followed by the South Central Region update on Thursday, Aug. 13.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration published a list of frequently asked questions with tips and guidelines on various topics related to the coronavirus.