Schuylkill County Turkey Hills close over COVID cases
Apr. 17—The Turkey Hill Minit Market convenience store in Lavelle remained closed Friday because of a positive COVID-19 case.
A message on the Lancaster-based company's website states that the store at 2931 Fairgrounds Road was closed Monday after an employee tested positive.
Signs on the doors Friday informed customers of the closure, and orange traffic cones blocked the gasoline pumps. The signs did not say when the store would reopen.
"We are taking all appropriate steps following guidance from local health officials," the website messages reads, adding the store would be sanitized by an industrial cleaning crew. "All team members that work at these stores have been contacted and advised to follow CDC-recommended guidelines.
"We are making every effort to provide the affected team member and our broader team with the necessary resources and support."
The Turkey Hill at 1638 Centre St. in Ashland was also closed Friday.
Signs on the front doors informed customers the closure was temporary and apologized for the inconvenience. The closure reason was unclear. The gas pumps, however, were operating.
Also this week, the Turkey Hill at at 366 W. Columbia St. in Schuylkill Haven closed due to a staff member's positive test, but it reopened Tuesday.
Latest numbers
The state Department of Health reported 50 new cases of COVID-19 on Friday for Schuylkill County, raising the total to 13,547 since the pandemic began last March. The death count remained at 387.
The department also reported that 21,371 people in the county are partially vaccinated and 32,401 are fully vaccinated. Those numbers combined represent about 38% of the county population. The new numbers are 8% higher than two weeks ago.
Also Friday, Williams Valley School District reported a positive COVID-19 case at the elementary school.
Contact tracing started and those needing to quarantine were notified.
Sixth graders will shift to virtual learning for a week starting Monday.
The rest of the elementary school students and students at Williams Valley Junior-Senior High School will continue with in-person learning.
Contact the writer: clee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6028; @Cleespot on Twitter
