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Here, we will provide our members with frequently updated resources to better inform you and your families about COVID-19.

What are the known symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms do vary, but the most commonly reported symptoms are:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Diarrhea

Things to remember:

• Even if you have no symptoms, you could have the virus. This is why it is very important to maintain at least 6 feet between yourself and people outside of your household, like your coworkers.
• The symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days, or as many as 14 days. Reported illnesses have ranged from people with little or no symptoms, to people being extremely ill and dying.

If you think you may have COVID-19, use this CDC Coronavirus Self-Checker:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html

When should you seek medical attention?

Emergency warning signs include:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion or inability to wake up or get out of bed
• Bluish lips or face
• * This list doesn’t include all reasons to seek medical attention, if in doubt, contact your healthcare provider.

Source: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/

Where in PA have people been diagnosed with COVID-19?

Here is a map of PA that is constantly being updated to reflect all known cases:

https://www.pa.gov/guides/responding-to-covid-19/#CasesinPennsylvania

I was laid off or furloughed. How do I apply for unemployment?

• You should apply online for unemployment. The high volume of calls makes it extremely difficult to apply over the phone.
• When applying, do not select an end date for your benefits. We do not know long long this pandemic will last.
• Make sure to check boxes for “COVID-19” and/or “Lack of work,” not “Natural disaster.”
• * For PA members: If you have filed for unemployment, but are experiencing difficulty, you can email uchelp@pa.gov Please include your name, phone number, last four of SSN, and a brief description of your issue.

Apply here:

PA: https://bit.ly/2U4DZmS

OH: https://bit.ly/3dlI7H0

WV: https://bit.ly/2J40ulI

If you have any questions about applying for unemployment, call your union hall.

I’m still working. How do I best protect myself, my family and my coworkers?

We have been very clear that our employers and General Contractors make every effort to make their job locations as safe and clean as possible. An extra emphasis must be taken to clean and sanitize all work sites that our members are on, and when possible that all sites follow social distancing protocols.

Here are some safety tips:

• When you come home, thoroughly wash your hands and any other exposed part of your body.
• If you live with anyone over the age of 60, or if a member of your household is immunocompromised, make sure you stay at least 6 feet away from them at all times, and if possible, quarantine yourself in another room in your living space.
• Wear a mask rated N95 or higher while on the jobsite.
• If you feel sick, stay home, and inform your employer.
• If you must cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with your elbow.

I’d rather apply for unemployment than continue working. What are my options?

Because work is continuing for many projects in our region, your employer could deny your unemployment application. If a job site is not clean and sanitary, adhering to protocols, contact your Business Agent immediately.

From the union’s perspective, if the project has been cleared with proper waiver from the State of Pennsylvania, we (the union) must supply the manpower.

I can’t pay rent or mortgage.

Pennsylvania’s legislators have frozen evictions for the duration of the state of emergency.

As of 4/2/2020, House legislators are preparing a rent and mortgage freeze bill. We will update you as the situation progresses.

Here is information on that bill: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20190&cosponId=31505

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