KITTERY, Maine (AP) A civilian worker at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard died from complications associated with COVID-19, the Navy said.
The employee, who died on Sunday, was assigned to Submarine Maintenance Engineering, Planning and Procurement Activity at the shipyard in Kittery, the Navy said.
“We here at the shipyard are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a member of our submarine maintenance team. Our thoughts and prayers are with the individual’s family, friends and coworkers as we extend our deepest sympathy, and wish them comfort and healing,” said Capt. Daniel Ettlich, the shipyard’s commander.
On Monday, the Navy issued new guidance requiring the wearing of face coverings for uniformed personnel, civilian employees, family members, contractors and all other individuals on Department of Defense property, installations and facilities.
Private defense contractor Bath Iron Works said its workers would have to begin wearing face masks on Tuesday. But union leaders have balked, saying homemade masks created from cotton and other flammable materials could pose a risk to welders and other workers.
The Machinists Union has asked to pause construction or provide employees with paid leave at Bath Iron Works, where two workers tested positive for the virus. One of the workers has recovered.
For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.
Both the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, which overhauls nuclear submarines, and the Bath shipyard, which builds destroyers, are deemed essential to the nation’s defense by the Trump administration.
