Keeping the Doors Open Part 3 - Essential or Nonessential, That is the Question

By Lauren White, RCS Reporter.

Where do construction and roofing fall on the spectrum of essential and nonessential jobs nationwide and globally?

Editor's note: Please refer to part one and part two of this series for the complete story.

It started with schools closing, then bars and restaurants were only offering takeout or delivery, and now shelter-in-place orders have been implemented throughout the United States.  These orders close any “non-essential” businesses. The first order was in the Bay Area of California, then the whole state shut down. Now, 29 other states have shelter-in-place orders.  

Nationwide and globally there’s much debate about what jobs are considered “essential” or “nonessential/non-life-sustaining.”  Construction is one business that varies depending on different regions, states, and countries.

Since no nationwide order has been implemented, it is up to cities and states to decide which businesses are essential and nonessential.  According to Business Insider there are some businesses that everyone can agree are essential, including: grocery stores, pharmacies, healthcare operations, gas stations, banks, veterinary clinics, food banks, warehouses, and transportation services, among others.

Nonessential businesses tend to be recreational in nature.  Restaurants can be categorized as nonessential, however many continue to operate as long as they only provide take-out, delivery, or drive-thru services.  Other nonessential businesses are: theatres, gyms, museums, shopping malls, sporting and concert venues, and more.

Then there are businesses that are classified essential in some areas and nonessential in others.  This all depends on which city or state they’re located in. Examples include: labor unions, liquor stores, home office supply stores, industrial manufacturing not related to essential function, and construction.  Many officials are not convinced that construction is an essential business.

The shelter in place order from the health officer for the city and county of San Francisco states that individuals are allowed to leave their residence in order to, “provide any services or perform any work necessary to the operations and maintenance of ‘essential infrastructure’ including, but not limited to, public works construction, construction of housing (in particular affordable housing or housing for individuals experiencing homelessness)...”  These services can be performed as long as workers and companies are in compliance with social distancing requirements to the extent possible.

Shutting down construction would cause disruptions for others besides workers.  “Many buyers commit before a new home is completed, and they might have already given notice to a landlord or sold their old home,” according to the Los Angeles Times.

On March 19, several roofing associations and organizations wrote a letter to the President expressing their concerns about the confusion regarding essential and nonessential businesses.  Many who signed this letter are also RoofersCoffeeShop® partners, including: the National Roofing Contractors Association, National Women in Roofing, Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association, Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association.  

In the letter, they write, “Recent emergency orders and guidance threaten the ability of roofing contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and other industry employers to operate and aid in the response to the coronavirus pandemic.”  They urge the President to clarify what businesses, services, and workers are considered essential, and issue guidance to the country.

They share that the U.S. roofing industry employs over 1.1 million people who provide crucial services and materials to help homes and businesses stay safe.  “The products we make and install protect hospitals, grocery stores, pharmacies, and other businesses actively providing critical care and resources to thousands of Americans in need of assistance during this time of crisis, as well as families who are being asked to shelter in place or otherwise take every measure to remain indoors,” as explained in the letter.  They disclose that now it is more critical than ever for roofing companies to fix roof leaks or other essential services to help keep buildings and facilities operating safely and optimally.  

In the letter they explain, “The roof is the first line of defense against the elements and extreme weather, and there is nothing more important than a sound roof in protecting American families and businesses as they take action to address this crisis and sustain our economy.”

While many cities and states want to protect their workers and keep people at home to stop the spread of the coronavirus, others understand the need for affordable housing and shelters for people who don’t have anywhere to go.  For now, workers who are still able, are keeping their distance from one another, utilizing extra hand washing stations, and continuing construction on essential projects.

For more information about the coronavirus, visit our RCS Coronavirus Update page.