ELECTRIC BOAT

Electric Boat President Tests Positive for Coronavirus

NBC Universal, Inc.

The president of Electric Boat has tested positive for coronavirus, marking the fourth positive case in the company within a week.

EB President Kevin Graney announced to employees on Saturday that he tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday night.

"While we have been talking about symptoms like fever, chills, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, and body aches, my own experience with symptoms was pretty subtle. Overnight on Wednesday into Thursday this week, I developed what felt like a low grade fever," Graney said in the letter.

He said under normal circumstances, he would've been tempted to take some Tylenol and report to work, however, listened to doctors and stayed home.

"I’ve been monitoring my temperature over the last few days and I’ve not seen a reading over 100 degrees. My symptoms remain mild – some nasal congestion and a low grade fever," he continued.

Graney's positive test comes less than a week after three others within the company also tested positive for COVID-19.

The first person to test positive within the company was a shipbuilder who works in Groton. He or she received the positive test results on Tuesday and had not been in the shipyard since March 9.

A message posted on Electric Boat’s website Wednesday said a second and third case of COVID-19 at the Groton shipyard had been confirmed.

One individual works in the Construction Support Engineering department in Building 97 and has not been on company property since March 13, according to Electric Boat. The other person is a carpenter in D252 and has not been on company property since March 20.

Graney had previously posted a message online that said not enough people who are at the facility are practicing social distancing and urged people to stay physically separated.

There are nearly 5,000 cases of coronavirus in Connecticut and at least 131 deaths.

Coronavirus Symptoms

The key symptoms of the coronavirus, according to the CDC are:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Symptoms can appear in infected persons two to 14 days after exposure.

Coronavirus Prevention Steps

Steps for prevention from the CDC include:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others
    • You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
    • Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, such as to the grocery store
    • Coverings should not be placed on children under 2, anyone who has trouble breathing or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
    • The face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected
    • Do NOT use a facemask meant for a health care worker
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Steps to Self-Monitor for Coronavirus

Steps to self-monitor from the CDC include:

  1. Take your temperature with a thermometer two times a day and monitor for fever. Also watch for cough or trouble breathing.
  2. Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during the time you are practicing social distancing.
  3. Avoid crowded places (such as shopping centers and movie theaters) and limit your activities in public.
  4. Keep your distance from others (about 6 feet or 2 meters).

If you do get sick with a fever, cough or have trouble breathing, call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room and communicate with your doctor about your recent travel.

  • If you develop symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with others. Do not go to work or school for this 14-day period. Discuss your work situation with your employer before returning to work.

The CDC has a special website set up with details about the coronavirus, including how it spreads and treatment.

Anyone with questions relating to coronavirus can call 2-1-1 or text "CTCOVID" to 898211. The 2-1-1 hotline is available 24 hours a day.

You can also visit the state's coronavirus information website here. Residents are encouraged to check the website for answers to questions before calling the hotline.

Learn More About Coronavirus - COVID-19

Learn more here from the state about Coronavirus.

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