Newport News Shipbuilding’s COVID-19 Crisis Action Group (CAG) announced temporary changes to the company’s mask and meeting policies last week as the number of positive cases continues to surge.

Under the updated policy, masks must be worn in indoor settings, including all covered facilities, vehicles and while in transit. Masks may be removed indoors if the employee is alone. This policy applies to all employees, regardless of vaccination status or the ability to social distance.

Unvaccinated personnel must continue to wear masks outdoors unless social distancing is possible. Masks are required on commissioned Navy ships.

All employees may remove their masks in the following instances at NNS:

• When requested by Security for identity verification.
• When wearing NNS-approved respirators to perform their job.
• When performing hot work.
• When eating, while maintaining social distance.
• When drinking for brief periods to stay hydrated during a shift.

WebEx meetings are to be held instead of in-person meetings. In cases when in-person, indoor meetings are absolutely required, masks must be worn by all participants, including the presenter.

These updates supersede all other mask and meeting guidance and will be reassessed Feb.1 based on case rate data.