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Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Wednesday issued stating that nearly all construction activities in the state must cease through April 8.

Construction, with a few exceptions, is not considered 鈥渆ssential鈥� under the state’s announced previously. Those exceptions are:

• 鈥渃onstruction related to essential activities as described in the order;
• to further a public purpose related to a public entity or governmental function or facility, including but not limited to publicly financed low-income housing; or
• to prevent spoliation and avoid damage or unsafe conditions, and address emergency repairs at both nonessential businesses and residential structures.鈥�

鈥淚t’s a devastating body blow to construction in Southwest Washington,鈥� Andrea Smith, communications manager for the Building Industry Association of Clark County stated via email Wednesday night. The trade group represents more than 12,000 construction workers through its member companies.

Inslee’s order provides for construction companies to engage only in 鈥渕inimum basic operations鈥� needed to maintain inventory and the condition and security of physical assets.

Washington is now one of two states with wide-ranging construction work stoppages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The other is Pennsylvania, which ordered 鈥渘on life-sustaining businesses鈥� in seven urban counties to shutter on March 19. That included all construction, from heavy civil to single-family residential.