The Home Builders Association of Greater Des Moines and its parent National Association of Home Builders are urging residential construction companies to halt work for at least 10 minutes on Thursday to educate workers on how to keep themselves safe from the novel coronavirus. Rachel Flint, president of the Des Moines association, said the group’s members will participate in what is being described as a “national safety stand-down.” “As the situation continues to develop, it’s extremely important that we keep our trades and teams safe as they continue to build homes throughout our Iowa communities,” Flint said in a prepared statement. “The best way we can ensure that is to pause and take the time to educate everyone on how to take all of the necessary precautionary health measures.” As part of the safety stand-down, members are being asked to pause all work for at least 10 minutes to explain COVID-19 safety precautions such as maintaining a distance of no less than 6 feet with others at all times, cleaning and sanitizing frequently used tools, equipment and frequently touched surfaces on a regular basis, and ensuring the proper sanitation of common surfaces and equipment. The national organization has developed guidelines to follow for the stand-down that can be found here.