Buckhannon Sheetz closes temporarily after employee tests positive for COVID-19

The Sheetz location in Buckhannon will undergo deep cleaning after an employee tested positive for COVID-19, the company announced Wednesday.

“Sheetz was informed today that an employee at our store location along North Locust Street in Buckhannon, W.Va., has tested positive for COVID-19,” Nick Ruffner, PR Manager at Sheetz, said in a statement. “This employee last worked at this store location last night, Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020.”

The store was immediately closed to protect the health of customers and staff.

“Our top priority is the health and wellness of our customers and employees,” Ruffner said. “Because of this positive test, this store location was immediately closed and is being professionally deep cleaned, sanitized and disinfected before it will reopen. Our gas pumps are also being sanitized and cleaned.”

The statement notes that the company is taking a cautious and transparent approach to fight the pandemic alongside the local community.

“We are taking an abundantly cautious approach, working with all employees who may have had close contact with this employee and exceeding all sanitization guidelines,” Ruffner said. “All employees will be fully paid while this store remains closed. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by this closure and will continue to prioritize the well-being of our customers and employees as we join the nation in navigating this unprecedented health crisis.”

The Upshur-Buckhannon Health Department reported a total of 396 COVID-19 cases have been identified in Upshur County as of Wednesday; 81 are currently active.