A number of contract employees working at a natural gas processing facility in Tioga are self-isolating after testing positive for the coronavirus.
A media spokesperson for Hess Corporation confirmed the news on Thursday afternoon. The Tioga gas plant is owned by Hess Midstream LP, in which Hess Corporation holds an ownership interest.
The positive tests were reported to Hess on Tuesday, July 7th.
In a statement to KX News, Hess says “several” of the contracting company’s employees “tested positive for COVID-19, and these individuals are in self-isolation.” Hess adds that no gas plant employees have tested positive for the virus.
“The contracting company is implementing its contact tracing process in order to identify anyone who may have been in close contact with these individuals,” the statement continues.
Hess says it has deep-cleaned work areas accessed by the contractors, and workers are having their health screened as they enter work sites.
KX News is working to determine exactly how many contract employees have confirmed cases of the coronavirus, and which contracting company they work for. We will update this story as we receive more information.
You can read the full statement from Hess to KX News below:
“On July 7th, a contracting company providing services for Hess at the Tioga gas plant reported that several of their employees tested positive for COVID-19, and these individuals are in self isolation. The contracting company is implementing its contact tracing process in order to identify anyone who may have been in close contact with these individuals.
As a precaution, and in line with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities, relevant work areas at the plant were deep-cleaned based on enhanced cleaning protocols. In addition, health screenings for workers prior to entering work sites have been and continue to be conducted, and modified work plans continue to be used to enhance social distancing.
The health and safety of our workforce remains our top priority. All Hess-operated assets are utilizing detailed COVID-19 prevention protocols based on the most current recommendations by public health agencies and government/regulatory directives.”
Hess Corporation
