Electric Boat's Coronavirus Testing Program Underway

GROTON, CT — In a tent set up in the Groton shipyard, Electric Boat has begun its own testing of all employees for COVID-19.

Company president Kevin Graney, who himself tested positive last month and has recovered from the disease caused by the new coronavirus, said the testing began Friday with several hundred employees in Groton.

To date, before it began its own testing program, 40 EB workers have tested positive. Most have returned to work after recovering from the illness.

"Given the strides we’ve made together to address this disease, I expect each of you to participate in this testing," Graney said. "These tests are offered free of charge to EB employees and can help better inform you about whether you have been exposed to COVID-19. Testing will also help us all better understand what actions we may need to take to protect you while we focus on our critical mission."

There are two tests: the antigen test to detect COVID-19 that consists of a simple nasal swab that is self-administered and then packaged and transported to a lab for analysis with results in a few days. The second test is antibody testing consisting of a finger prick to draw a drop of blood and is administered by trained personnel. It 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. If you test positive for COVID-19 antibodies using the antibody test, a second blood draw will be performed by a licensed phlebotomist and sent to an offsite lab for further confirmation.

On Friday, testing began with several hundred employees and over the next several weeks, testing will include employees at Quonset Point in Rhode Island and in New London, he said.

"Testing is an important tool that will provide valuable health information as we move forward through this pandemic, and can help limit the spread of COVID-19 at EB and in the community," Graney said.

"Tests have been challenging to access, and I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to get tested to make informed healthcare decisions."

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