Bath Iron Works Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

An employee of Bath Iron Works has tested positive for COVID-19, which means everyone that person came in contact with is out for 2 weeks with pay.

Company officials said, in a release on the facility's website, that the person last worked in the Main Yard on March 13th. All the employees who worked with that person have been notified, and will complete a 14-day period of observation from their last contract, with pay. The notice goes on to say that BIW's medical personnel is working closely with the Maine CDC.

WMTW-TV reports that union leaders representing BIW workers were calling for the shipyard to shut down last week, requesting that all 8,000 employees be sent home with pay. However, the U.S. Department of Defense has told BIW to remain open and to maintain a normal work schedule.

Company officials are asking employees to stay home if they have been in contact with someone who has the illness and/or are having symptoms, including shortness of breath, persistent coughing, or fever. More information about their current COVID-19 policy can be found on the Bath Iron Works website, including pertinent hotline numbers to get questions answered.