Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Centre County on April 9
We’re keeping track of the most up-to-date news about coronavirus in Centre County. Check back for updates.
Why Mount Nittany is opening a new wing and why it’s ‘well-positioned’ to tackle the coronavirus
Mount Nittany Medical Center will open a new wing dedicated to treating COVID-19 by Friday, as officials told the Centre Daily Times they believe the hospital is “very well-positioned” with its current resources.
The wing, converted from an existing medical unit, will initially feature 21 beds with the ability to expand as needed. Overall, the hospital has 208 medical/surgical beds and 24 licensed ICU beds, according to officials.
“We are saying that this is our first step, and that first step gets us a dedicated wing with 21 beds,” said Dr. Nirmal Joshi, chief medical officer for Mount Nittany Health. “There’s nothing magical about the ‘21’ number; it just offers up that first round of capacity that we can dedicate to this pandemic. And, if we need more, we can flex more.”
- by Josh Moyer
With Pennsylvania schools closed, how will the class of 2020 be recognized in Centre County?
As Pennsylvania students finish the academic year online, Centre County educators are working to recognize the class of 2020.
Following an order from Gov. Tom Wolf, all Pennsylvania K-12 schools, colleges and universities will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 year due to the coronavirus pandemic. With staple events like prom, senior trips and award presentations canceled, administrators are working to maintain a sense of normalcy by recognizing seniors in virtual ceremonies.
This week, the Bellefonte Area School District board of directors discussed honoring graduates in a virtual ceremony to be held on June 8, the scheduled date for commencement.
- Marley Parish
PIAA cancels spring sports, winter championships
Pennsylvania’s governing body over high school sports has made its decision. The PIAA has canceled the 2020 winter championships and spring sports season.
The governing body announced the decision Thursday afternoon with a press release after the championships and season were suspended for nearly a month.
“Today’s decision by the PIAA Board of Directors was difficult for everyone,” PIAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Lombardi said in the release. “Their thoughts remain on the thousands of student-athletes, coaches, officials, and family members affected by this decision.
- by Jon Sauber
Centre County adds 2 more COVID-19 cases; Pennsylvania total surpasses 18,000
Centre County gained two new cases of COVID-19 Thursday, bringing the total number of cases in the county to 59, according to the state Department of Health.
There are now 18,228 total cases of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania as of noon Thursday, meaning 1,989 cases are new. With the exponential growth of the pandemic, that is now the state’s largest single-day increase as of yet.
- by Marley Parish
Pennsylvania schools to remain closed for remainder of academic year, Gov. Tom Wolf announces
Due to COVID-19, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Thursday that all Pennsylvania K-12 schools will be closed for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year, but learning will continue.
Some Centre County school districts were already set to launch continuity of education plans prior to Thursday’s decision.
“We must continue our efforts to mitigate the spread of the virus during this national crisis,” Wolf said in a news release. “This was not an easy decision but closing schools until the end of the academic year is in the best interest of our students, school employees and families.”
- by Marley Parish
A quarter of BEA students don’t have internet access. Here’s how remote learning will take place
Scheduled to launch next week, the Bald Eagle Area School District has developed a remote learning plan accessible to all students — even those without access to internet.
District parents and guardians received a letter from BEA Interim Superintendent Joseph Clapper on Wednesday, outlining how the district’s education plan will operate for students in grades 6-12 while Pennsylvania schools are closed for the remainder of the school year due to the coronavirus. Following guidelines issued by the state Department of Education, BEA will launch mandatory planned instruction on Monday.
- by Marley Parish
Free meal options
- The State College Area School District is offering free meal kits each Wednesday at the High school parking lot for children ages 18 and younger. The weekly meal kits will have enough food for breakfast and lunch for five. days. Families who are interested in the service are asked to place an order by 8 a.m. each Monday by filling out an online form. A limited number of meals will be available on a first-come-first-served basis for those who did not order ahead of time.
The Moshannon Valley YMCA’s Travelin’ Table mobile kitchen will be a Tudek Park from noon-1 p.m. Friday. A Friday bagged meal and a weekend bag will be available.
The YMCA of Centre County is continuing to provide free bags of food for children 18 years and younger through its Anti-Hunger program. Drive-thru locations throughout the county and pickup times can be found on the YMCA’s website, as well as how to donate to the program.
The YMCA of Centre County holds a soup drive-thru for veterans and seniors. The location of the next drive-thru will be posted at https://www.ymcaofcentrecounty.org/ymca/anti-hunger-program-updates/.
Community outreach/appreciation
Pennsylvania news
- The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board said Thursday it might increase the number of fulfillment centers to handle the demand for its new online sales program, The Associated Press reported.
- The Department of Corrections said Thursday it is canceling inmate visits at state prisons indefinitely as a result of COVID-19, AP reported.
This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 10:41 AM.