Covid-19 Cases At Construction Sites In Santa Clara County Highlight Need For Continued Vigilance In Sectors

Press release from the Santa Clara County Government:

June 12, 2020

County Public Health Department investigating multiple cases at four sites

Santa Clara County, CA – Multiple cases of COVID-19 identified this week among construction workers, including at four construction sites in Santa Clara County, underscore the need for the construction industry to adhere to social distancing and safety protocols.
The largest outbreak occurred at a construction site in Mountain View, where there have been 10 confirmed cases and more than 30 potential exposures. The construction company operating the site proactively notified the Public Health Department as soon as they learned of the first case, has voluntarily closed at the request of the County until further notice, and has been working collaboratively with Public Health.
“These cases emphasize the fact that we are still in the midst of a pandemic,” said County Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody. “With additional sectors reopening, it is vital that everyone carefully follow social distancing protocols to ensure that workers are safe. This includes keeping physical distance and wearing a face covering.”
Three other sites, two in San Jose and one in Milpitas, have each had between three and five cases. These three sites have also voluntarily closed at the request of the County Public Health Department as potential exposures are investigated by County staff. In addition, nine more construction sites in the county have had at least one confirmed case, and the County is working with the operators of those sites to determine if there are additional infected persons associated with those sites.
The County Public Health Department continues to monitor new cases of COVID-19 carefully and follow up appropriately to stop outbreaks. County officials also continue to collaborate with construction trade and labor organizations to ensure information on prevention practices is being disseminated, and to educate the construction industry on protocols that must be followed.
Under the current Health Officer order, construction activities are allowed to operate but must strictly comply with safety and social distancing protocols specific to the construction industry. Construction activities were allowed to resume on May 4, 2020.

This press release was produced by Santa Clara County Government . The views expressed here are the author’s own.