Updated March 25, 7:50 p.m.

Dear MBAKS Members:

We have just learned that Governor Inslee has ordered that all residential and commercial construction in Washington State must cease as of midnight on March 25. The only exception is for emergency repairs. The earliest construction could be restarted is April 8. We worked very hard to avoid this outcome and we understand the gravity of the situation. We also acknowledge that the health of our members, your employees, and the public is incredibly important. We will continue to work with the Governor and his team to get you back to work as soon as possible.

In the meantime, the original Order allowed businesses, including construction sites, to continue to be maintained and protected. Please see item "D" below from the Governor’s original Order. View the full order here.

Effective midnight on March 25, 2020, all non-essential businesses in Washington State shall cease operations except for performing basic minimum operations. All essential businesses are encouraged to remain open and maintain operations, but must establish and implement social distancing and sanitation measures established by the United States Department of Labor or the Washington State Department of Health Guidelines. This prohibition shall remain in effect until midnight on April 8, 2020, unless extended beyond that date.

To implement this mandate, I hereby order that, effective midnight on March 25, 2020, all non-essential businesses in Washington State are prohibited from conducting all activities and operations except minimum basic operations.

a. Non-essential businesses are strongly encouraged to immediately cease operations other than performance of basic minimum operations, but must do so no later than midnight on March 25, 2020.

b. Essential businesses are prohibited from operating under this Proclamation unless they establish and implement social distancing and sanitation measures established by the United States Department of Labor’s Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 at osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3990.pdf and the Washington State Department of Health Workplace and Employer Resources & Recommendations at doh.wa.gov/Coronavirus/workplace.

c. This prohibition does not apply to businesses consisting exclusively of employees or contractors performing business activities at their home or residence, and who do not engage in in-person contact with clients.

d. For purposes of this Proclamation, minimum basic operations are the minimum activities necessary to maintain the value of the business’ inventory, preserve the condition of the business’ physical plant and equipment, ensure security, process payroll and employee benefits, facilitate employees of the business being able to continue to work remotely from their residences, and related functions.

We know this is an incredibly difficult time for you and our industry. The entire MBAKS team is working hard around the clock to serve you as best we can throughout this crisis. Please continue to check this COVID-19 site for the latest industry information and tools and programs to support homebuilders through this challenging period.

Sincerely,

Kat Sims

Executive Director