Coronavirus Groton: Electric Boat Now Has 27 Confirmed Cases

GROTON, CT — There are now 27 positive cases of COVID-19 at Electric Boat, company president Kevin Graney said.

On Monday, he'd reported there were 25 cases and said late Wednesday that due to a eror in database reporting there were in fact 24. But, with the news that there are three new cases, the total now is 27.

Electric Boat employees some 14,000 people.

Graney said in a letter to employees that the three new cases are:

– A New London Engineer working in the Groton Facilities department tested positive whose last day of work was April 8.
– Two Quonset Point employees based in building 60 tested positive, the first was last at work on March 27 and the second was last at work on April 9.

Graney noted a number of new mitigation efforts and rules for the Groton shipyard.

Graney said that beginning today, Thursday, April 16, in the Groton shipyard, "anyone going onboard a ship or working on a module must wear a face covering."

"Those of you in that situation can get a mask at any of the tool cribs.In the meantime, we are working to quickly expand mask distribution to all EB employees," he said. "We expect to have cloth masks delivered sometime (Thursday), and we will provide information on how and where to get your mask. It is perfectly acceptable to bring your own mask from home, if you wish."

Graney said, "We all recognize that these are anything but 'normal' times. We are all making adjustments. We are talking to colleagues, families and friends virtually. When we are out in public, our faces are covered with a mask. And all of us are concerned about our families and friends, and wonder what the future, both at work and in our personal lives, will look like."

He noted the "stress and anxiety" employees and family may are experiencing.

"Like you, I feel the strain of the uncertainty a historic pandemic like this causes. While there are many ways of dealing with this 'new normal, I want to make sure you are considering the resources EB has available to help you."

The resources available through the EB Employee Assistance Program include support for mental and emotional health." He said that while, "some people may feel embarrassed or may feel a certain stigma associated with seeking help. I want to remind each of you that these services are provided confidentially. No one at Electric Boat will be notified that any employee is using these services. So remember–none of us are immune to feeling stressed about the uncertainty this pandemic has caused; also remember we don’t have to feel like we are facing it alone. Please consider taking advantage of the benefits each of us has available to us."

For more information about these benefits, visit the Employee Assistance website or contact the EB Benefits office at 860-433-4201 or at benefits@gdeb.com.

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