Electric Boat To Begin Its Own Coronavirus Employee Testing

GROTON, CT — Electric Boat president Kevin Graney, who himself tested positive for COVID-19 last month but has since recovered, announced Tuesday that there are now 40 positive cases at EB.

Graney also announced that in addition to EB-branded face coverings that will be provided to employees and must be worn while at work, the shipbuilder will be begin its own testing later this week.

In a message to its 14,000 employees, Graney said that the latest positive cases are:

• An individual working at Quonset, in Bay 4, building 2014. This individual has not been at work since April 17. Because this individual has not been on site for more than two weeks, there is minimal risk.
• A person on an extended work assignment in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. This individual was last at work in Portsmouth on April 28.

Graney said that while the governors of Connecticut and Rhode Island have noted that there's a slowing rate of hospitalizations of people with COVID-19 which will lead to a relaxation of some closings, "we do not expect there will be a relaxation when it comes to self-protection, and that includes here at EB."

Graney said EB has purchased new masks, being distributed now, that are lightweight, adjustable and machine washable with an EB logo. He said employees are "expected to wear an appropriate face covering while you’re at work."

COVID-19 testing at EB

Graney told employees that beginning this week, the shipbuilder will be "supplied with test kits that will allow us to test our people."

He said one test is to detect COVID-19 and consists of a self-administered nasal swab. The test is shipped to a lab and he said results are expected in a "couple of days."

"This test will help us determine if anyone has an active infection," he said.

The second test is to detect antibodies and consists of a finger prick to draw a drop of blood, similar to a cholesterol test. Graney said the test is given by trained personnel and provides results in about 10 minutes. The test is designed to determine if you have COVID-19 antibodies, which means you have had the disease and your body has successfully fought it off.

The testing will be free and, all employees"will be scheduled to be tested." He urged employees, including ones working from home, to make your scheduled time.

Testing will begin in Groton and will continue testing at Quonset Point and New London as we receive test kits.

"As you know, it’s been challenging to get access to tests, and we will now be able to offer employees a way to get some valuable information about your personal health that might help you," Graney said.

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