Can a sprawling metropolis such as Los Angeles maintain precautions to keep public activity from increasing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic — especially if outdoor construction activity continues at a robust pace? While some states have limited construction activity, California categorizes it as essential work that should continue. The decision is drawing criticism, but Professor Edward George Gibson, chair of the Fulton Schools construction management program, says he trusts the construction industry to make safety and protection of people’s health a priority.