As the country continues to stop the spread of COVID-19, state and local governments are promulgating quarantine orders and mandatory business closures. The Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI) supports several public health measures that will help limit the spread of the virus. However, it is important that these orders do not inadvertently harm the building service and cleaning industry and that it be designated as “essential.”

The building services and cleaning industries are essential in supporting the infrastructure needed to successfully combat this pandemic. Therefore, we recommend that your administration issue guidance on these orders to clarify “essential infrastructure” and “essential businesses and services” to include the entire industry in any designations of "essential business". This industry is critical to combat this pandemic as these businesses are heavily involved in proper cleaning, sanitation and disinfection of many buildings across the U.S.

Lastly, BSCAI asks that you remain open to adding more items to specified “essential businesses and services” and “essential infrastructure” as conditions continue to change. Thank you for your attention to this concern and for protecting the building service and cleaning industry, which is vital to combating COVID-19.

Contact your representatives now.