I am extremely proud of the way our Union family has responded to every challenge this pandemic has brought. Unfortunately winter is bringing us a new wave of Covid-19 infection and all the uncertainty and apprehension that comes with it. The statewide COVID-19 positivity rate may have fallen slightly, but infection rates are still rising in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. I know many of us may be feeling Covid-19 fatigue and feel like we have had enough, especially as the holidays approach, but now is not the time to be complacent. We need to be vigilant. We need all Local 79 members to step up and be part of preventing the spread of Covid-19 in NYC by taking these steps:
Stay home if you are sick
Keep physical distance
Wear a face covering
Keep your hands clean
Get tested
Testing gives us a tool to protect each other and help us continue to work safely. It is true that Covid-19 testing is not perfect and early in the infection it can miss some cases but consistent testing on jobsites can identify infections and keep the jobs sites safe and open.
Many of our signatory contractors have taken the initiative to go above and beyond their requirements by offering to pick up the cost associated with voluntary testing of members on jobsites. Local 79 applauds these efforts and will continue to work with our signatories to take whatever steps necessary to curb the spread of the virus. If you are on a job that offers cost-free on-site testing, we implore you to take advantage of it and do your part to fight this scourge. Your loved ones count on you. The future of construction in NYC may depend on you.
If you or your family members want to get tested on your own, New York City provides free testing for all those living and working in the city:
