N.J. Turnpike service area closed after worker tests positive for coronavirus

The Joyce Kilmer Service Area main concession building in East Brunswick on the New Jersey Turnpike was closed after a worker tested positive for coronavirus, officials said.

The worker, who is employed by contractor HMS Host, has not been at work since March 23, said New Jersey Turnpike Authority officials. HMS Host officials notified the Turnpike Authority of the test results Monday evening.

The building, which contains fast food restaurants and restrooms, was immediately closed to the public, and a licensed cleaning contractor was brought in to sanitize the building overnight, officials said. Fuel will continue to be sold at a gas station in the service area, which is in a separate building.

The Joyce Kilmer Service Area is located on the northbound side of the Turnpike between interchanges 8A and 9.

Kilmer service area employees have been told to self-quarantine for the next 14 days. New Jersey reported 18,696 total coronavirus cases statewide on Tuesday.

The 17 other service areas on the Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway remain open for fuel, restrooms, and grab-and-go food to serve truckers and essential workers who are traveling. Two privately owned service areas on the Parkway also remain open.

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