We are all facing difficult times as the novel coronavirus, and the COVID-19 disease it causes, impacts our economy and, for many, their health. We feel the reverberations as limits are placed on our social and working lives. We have seen large regions tell their citizens to shelter in place and other areas shut down construction projects. Even as we face this adversity, it is important to remember that we will get through this together, as we always have.

The primary concern of the UBC is the health and economic security of our members and their families. We have taken steps to limit the spread of the virus by postponing programs and conferences at the International Training Center. I know all of our areas are having to take action and make arrangements for this current reality. UBC affiliates are communicating with local governments and employers about mitigating the threat COVID-19 is to the health and livelihood of our members.

At the International, the UBC has been in conversations with leaders in Washington, D.C. and Ottawa, Ont. I appreciate the work that Congress and the President did to provide assistance to wage earners in the U.S. who are being hit hard by the economic fallout from this outbreak, including those in the construction industry. Below we have some information and resources that I hope will be useful to you, including information on the federal relief bill.

It is a very fluid situation with developments seemingly every day that change the situation. I pray that you all stay safe, and that you and your family stay healthy, and that through our unity we come out even stronger as a union when this is done.

Sincerely,

Douglas J. McCarron
UBC General President

NEWS AND UPDATES
During these uncertain times, the UBC is committed to providing our members with up-to-date information on COVID-19 and its effects on our community. We will be updating this page with information, especially pertaining to the relief bill currently in Congress, as it becomes available.

IMPORTANT COVID-19 INFORMATION

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, cough, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing.

How to keep healthy:

Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after coughing or sneezing. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue or the crook of your elbow.
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home and at work.
Practice social distancing.

What to do if you’re not feeling well:
If you are feeling sick or having any of the symptoms of COVID-19, stay home.
If you begin feeling ill at work, talk to your supervisor immediately and ask to go home.
If your symptoms are mild, call your primary care physician before going in for an appointment to avoid infecting others.
If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

How to help the community:
We’re all in this together, and it’s important that we act with compassion toward one another. Remain calm and help others while taking the suggested precautions. We can all work to keep the most vulnerable members of our communities safe.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Public Health Agency of Canada – https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
Resources on how to cope with COVID-19 related anxiety – https://www.verywellmind.com/managing-coronavirus-anxiety-4798909