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Thursday, March 28, 2024

A 35-condominium project called Inman Crossing is frozen in place March 25 during a citywide coronavirus construction moratorium. (Photo: Marc Levy)

The City of Cambridge is keeping its coronavirus construction moratorium in place, officials announced Thursday.

The moratorium of construction on public and private property, with the exception of emergency work or on one-, two- and three-family homes that already had permits, was instituted March 18; a potential conflict arose March 25 when Gov. Charlie Baker said he was designating construction workers as “essential” employees.

Somerville and Boston also have construction moratoriums in place, and mayors of both cities issued statements in response to Baker on March 25 that their bans would stay in place. In Cambridge, spokesman Lee Gianetti said the construction suspension would remain in effect while the city’s solicitor and public health commissioner reviewed the situation.

With the review complete and the moratorium staying, Cambridge released guidance to contractors that said work could go on if they had a plan identifying how construction will be completed safely; provide hand wash stations; conduct a daily wellness questionnaire for all employees; and set a policy for social distancing onsite. 

In addition, contractors must post signs highlighting the symptoms of the Covid-19 coronavirus; reminding employees to stay home if they feel sick; and explaining proper handwashing and social distancing. Construction sites don’t often have handwashing or sanitation facilities, and many jobs require workers to be in close proximity.