AGC Maine and AGC of America have been receiving inquiries from members about industry response and preparation for Coronavirus. This website will be updated as resources and information become available. We urge you to share this with your personnel, and please reach out to AGC Maine at (207) 622-4741 with any questions. If your company is facing any supply chain disruption, please use this form to help us understand potential impacts.


Essential Items for Contractors

Mills Administration Announces Massachusetts No Longer Exempt from Quarantine or Negative Test Requirement Updated November 13, 2020
Please note: Construction work is still considered essential.
Read Notice

Mask Mandate in Maine Updated November 5, 2020

Governor Mills issued a new order requiring masks in a public setting. We contacted the Governor’s Office to inquire about the mandate and define what a public setting means and what is required. Here is what we know right now;
  • Construction sites will require masks
  • At the Company office masks are required, can be removed at your desk
  • Riding in vehicles with co-workers requires masks
  • Social distancing, while still required, does not provide a mask exemption.
  • In fact, any public setting, or place where the public can access requires a mask.
To Summarize, “From the time your leave your private residence, excluding a solo car ride or with members of your household, you will be required to wear a mask. The only exclusion for this is solo settings at your workplace-such as at your desk.”
This is effective immediately and will be in place until further notice.
View Recent Order on Masks

State of Maine Construction Industry Checklist Updated May 27, 2020
[View]

Best Practices Toolkit  Version 5-UPDATED November 16, 2020
AGC Maine assembled a Best Practices Toolkit for contractors using the enormous resources of AGC Chapters around the country. Take a look, adopt the policies and be safe.
Download Best Practices Toolkit Version 5
( Combination of AGC resources from around the country)

Sample Safe Passage Letter for Essential Workers
WORD VERSION WITH APRIL 3, 2020 ORDER
Notice Critical Infrastructure Employee
*Note: This is a Maine designation only, if you are unsure of your status as essential, please review this list or ask for the designation directly or call our office.

Maine Lodging Options During Crisis for Essential Construction Workers  Updated April 7, 2020
COVID-19 Hotel ListCOVID-19 Hotel List April 7th update


State of Maine Official Orders and AGC Interpretations (Listed by Date)

Order Designating the Increase in Outdoor Gatherings-Date August 1, 2020
The limit on the number of persons for outdoor gatherings is 5 people per 1,000 sq. ft of occupiable outdoor space or not more than 100 persons whichever is less. The limit on the number of persons for indoor gatherings remains at 50 persons as set forth in Executive Order 55 FY 19/20.
[Link to Order]

Order Strengthening the Use of Face Coverings – Date July 8, 2020
This Order strengthens Executive Orders 49 and 5 5 FY 19/20 by providing the following: A. “Cloth face coverings” or “face coverings” shall be construed to include disposable face coverings of similar quality as well as face shields, provided that such face shield extends below the chin and covers the ears. For construction that allows for a the plastic face shields. This order specifically permits enforcement by permitting agencies, although the construction-related agency is not listed, it appears inferred. Additionally, the order allows for municipal enforcement “Municipalities are authorized to enforce the use of face coverings on streets and sidewalks, in parks and other public spaces where individuals are gathering and not able to maintain at least six feet of physical distance from one another and to enforce the gathering limits. A violation of this Order may be construed to be a violation of any such license, permit, and other authorization to which pertinent penalties may be assessed.”
[Link to Order]

Order to Further Implement the Restarting Plan – May 29, 2020
This order offers guidance for restarting and setting a plan to remove the essential designation. It also addresses the requirement for cloth face coverings.
[Link to Order]

Order Designating Construction as Essential – Date March 24, 2020 – 19 FY 19/20
The order for construction listed as essential refers to the Department of Homeland Security Designation (please see AGC America notice) and the reference within the Governor’s order to construction, and her comments at various press conferences and medial releases. Her office has continued to assert all construction is essential in direct communication with AGC Maine. All companies are strongly urged to adopt best practices, conduct toolbox talks, and ensure compliance.
[Link to Order] [Construction Best Practices]

Order Regarding Further Restrictions on Public Contact and Movement including Vehicle Travel -Dated March 31, 2020,
Order # 28 FY 19/20

This order explains that travel to and from work for essential workers is allowed, however, it prohibits travel in vehicles with people other than family members. That change means one person/pickup. For contractors using vanpools for workers that are prohibited by law from driving, we are working on a designation as you can read in this order, “public transportation” use is not permitted unless absolutely necessary. We do not have official guidance, however, if you transport workers, they must have 6′ social distancing and we strongly recommend PPE. For those with current valid driver’s licenses, one person/vehicle.
[Link to Order] [AGC’s Vehicle Rental Discount]

An Order Regarding an Extension of the Current Use Taxation Deadline – March 31, 2020, Order # 30 FY 19/20
This order changes the tax filing deadline to July 1st in Maine.
[Link to Order]

Order Extending the Deadline Related to Property Tax Exemptions – March 31, 2020, Order # 31 FY 1920
This order extends the date for certain property tax exemption applications. That includes business equipment, solar and wind facilities.
[Link to Order]

An Order Establishing Arriving Quarantine Restrictions on Travelers in Maine –  April 3, 2020, Order # 34 FY 19/20
This order requires all travelers entering Maine to self-quarantine for 14 days. Construction workers are considered essential and do are not required to comply UNLESS they are traveling for a designated hotspot, including New York City, Chicago, Detriot. Check back or watch our notices for additional “hotspots.”
[Link to Order] [Link to Safe Passage Letter]

Order Modifies in Person Notarization and Acknowledgment Requirements – April 8, 2020, Order # 37 FY 19/30
This Order applies to all provisions of Maine law that require a signature to be acknowledged, witnessed or notarized in person, with the exceptions of: (a) solemnizing marriages, (b) administering oaths to circulators of state or local direct initiative or referendum petitions and nomination petitions of candidates for electoral office, and ( c) absentee ballots in state and local elections. This Order authorizes remote, not electronic, notarization. All requirements under Maine law pertaining to the taking of sworn statements and acknowledgments by notaries and those authorized to perform notarial acts, other than the requirement to appear in person, remain in effect during the effective period of this Order.
[Link to Order]


Federal Government Information

President Signs Paid Leave: Understanding Paid Leave Mandates


Resources for Employers

General Cleaning for Offices, Job Sites and Homes

Learning About the Virus


Media

Press Release: Construction Spending Decreases For Fourth Consecutive Month In June As Declines In Leading Public Categories, Homebuilding Dominate Results [Read Full Story]

Press Release: Maine Construction Worker Hours Increases 11%; however, the 300 Jobs Lost from May to June Rank 42nd in the Country for Growth; Immediate Investment in Infrastructure is Needed to Avoid New Downturn [Read Full Story]

Press Release: Shutting Down Construction Projects is an Unnecessary Step, Will Harm Economy & Undermine Recovery Efforts, Construction Officials Say [Read Full Story]


AGC America Free Webinar on COVID19 Topics

AGC America is holding a webinar series on the following topics, anyone on your team can register to participate.

1) To register, you need your AGC America user account. Get that here:https://www.agc.org/user?key=/

2) Go here and register, the first one is today at 2:00 PM on paid leave https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=537770&

Part I: Your Federal and State Legal Obligations to Provide Paid and/or Unpaid Leave to Your Employees

Part II: What the Federal and Many State Labor and Employment Laws Are Likely to Require of You, as You Adjust Your Operations to Meet the Latest Contingencies?

Part III: The Contractual and Related Legal Protections and Risks for Construction Companies

Part IV: How to Protect Your People and Your Projects

Part V: The Components of a Comprehensive Project Continuity Plan

Part VI: Insurance Coverage and Claims for Losses Resulting from the Outbreak

Part VII: The Additional Pressure that the Outbreak Could be Putting on Your Information Technology 

Part VIII: What You Need to Watch, as the Outbreak Continues to Unfold