Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Centre County on April 22
We’re keeping track of the most up-to-date news about coronavirus in Centre County. Check back for updates.
Curbside recycling set to resume in Centre County, with some changes to keep crews safe
A small bit of pre-COVID-19 normalcy will return to Centre County when curbside recycling resumes Monday.
The Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority suspended the service March 30 to limit the spread of coronavirus, a move that was always meant to be temporary, the CCRRA’s Joanne Shafer said Wednesday.
“At the time that the suspension occurred, there was a lot less known about the persistence of the coronavirus on surfaces than what we know today,” said Shafer, deputy director and recycling coordinator.
- by Matt Hymowitz
‘We’re still here.’ Geisinger Life Flight crews see sharp decrease in calls since COVID-19 outbreak
Despite a steep decline in travel due to stay-at-home orders, traffic is still flowing in and out of University Park Airport.
Geisinger Life Flight crews continue to provide life-saving care amid the coronavirus pandemic from its base at the airport, located in Benner Township. But with a 50% decrease in calls since Pennsylvania saw its first coronavirus case, Geisinger and Mount Nittany Medical Center EMS want to remind residents that they are still operating 24-hours a day.
“We don’t want patients sitting at home with chest pain, shortness of breath, stroke-type symptoms,” Robin de Koning, flight nurse and team coordinator, said. “We want them to seek care.”
- by Marley Parish
Centre County sees no new COVID-19 cases as state total surpasses 35,000
Centre County added no new coronavirus cases Wednesday, according to the state Department of Health.
As of noon Wednesday, there are 76 reported COVID-19 cases in the county, one less case than Tuesday.
According to the state Department of Health, as cases and deaths are investigated, they are reported based on the county of residence and the data is updated as more information becomes available.
- by Marley Parish
Boalsburg’s Memorial Day events, fire company carnival among latest COVID-19 cancellations
The Boalsburg Fire Company Carnival is the latest summer event and fundraiser to be canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The five-day festival that traditionally begins the Thursday before Memorial Day brings in about $20,000 to $24,000 annually for the fire company, Chief Greg Alters said Wednesday.
It’s the first time the carnival was canceled in its at least 50-year history.
- by Bret Pallotto
Pennsylvania boosting efforts to promote voting by mail
Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration is boosting its efforts to get voters to cast their primary election ballots by mail, saying it would help prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
The administration sent 4.2 million postcards to primary voters and is mounting an awareness campaign on radio, television, social media, streaming services, mobile apps and email, officials said Wednesday.
- The Associated Press
25 local bands to take part in virtual benefit concert for the Centre County United Way
The Centre County United Way is doing what it can to give back to its 28 partner agencies and is hosting #LIVEUNITEDLive from 6-10 p.m. Friday, a virtual concert with pre-recorded performances by local performers.
“Twenty-five local bands will be performing two or three songs, from their homes, to entertain and lift spirits as we navigate through this challenging time,” Centre County United Way Communications Coordinator & Employee Campaign Coordinator Megan Evans wrote in an email. “The event will be on the Centre County United Way’s Facebook page and will have an option for people to make donations to Centre County United Way.”
The event is part of the CCUW’s annual fundraising efforts, and is being held in a way that honors COVID-19 social distancing guidelines and other societal shifts since the onset of the virus.
- by Kevin Briggs, for the CDT
Jana Marie Foundation takes monthly series online, with focus on wellness amid pandemic
The Jana Marie Foundation will address mental health concerns during self-isolation and social distancing during Thursday’s Mokita Dialogues session, which will be held online via Zoom at 11 a.m. and is open to the public.
The nonprofit holds the Mokita Dialogues series monthly.
“The word ‘mokita’ means a known truth left unspoken — think of the notion of the elephant in the room,” Marisa Vicere, founder and president of the Jana Marie Foundation, said. “This dialogue provides a chance for the community to come together and address topics of vital social concern in a safe and welcoming environment.”
- by Holly Riddle, for the CDT
Closings/cancellations
- The Day in Town, race, fire company carnival and other Memorial Day activities in Boalsburg have been canceled. Virtual activities are being planned for Memorial Day instead. The fire company will be selling chicken barbecue dinners starting at 11 a.m. May 23 until they’re sold out. The dinners, which will include a chicken half, baked beans and applesauce, will be available for $10 for drive-thru pickup at Station 3.
- The Pleasant Gap Fire Company canceled its 2020 carnival, parade and associated events, including the concerts, chicken barbecue and cake walk.
All state police spring and summer youth camps have been canceled, including Camp Cadet.
The Centre County Public Safety Training Center canceled all certification tests for May.
The Quehanna Industrial Development Corporation’s 23rd annual 100 Mile Yard Sale in Karthaus has been canceled. T-shirts honoring first responders depicting a firetruck, police car and ambulance will be available for $15 at www.visitquehannaarea.com.
Pennsylvania news
- Gov. Tom Wolf announced his three-phase plan for reopening Pennsylvania, beginning on May 8.
Health care
- Mount Nittany Health will hold a question and answer session about COVID-19 with Dr. Nirmal Joshi at 1 p.m. Wednesday via Facebook Live. To submit a question, message Mount Nittany Health on Facebook or email communications@mountnittany.org.
- While its offices are closed during the pandemic, AIDS Resource will mail free condoms to community members in order to encourage safer sex. Those interested can email condoms@aidsresource.com with their name, address and if they have a latex allergy, or fill out an online form. Visit aidsresource.com for more information.
Things to do
- Relay For Life of Penn State will host its annual event virtually on its website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Participants are encouraged to sign up to walk in 30-minute shifts and take photos. To register for the event, buy raffle tickets or sponsor a luminaria bag, go to psurelay.org. All proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.
- In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention month, Stewards of Children is holding virtual training sessions through the YMCA of Centre County to help people prevent, recognize and react to abuse. The next raining session is 2-4 p.m Thursday. Register at the YMCA’s website.
- The YMCA of Centre County is holding its Run for Our Heroes virtual 5K run/walk anytime on Saturday. Participants can run or walk the 3.1 miles, then log their workout on Strava or email their time, along with their name, gender and age, to jcone@ymcaocc.org. Results will be posted at www.ymcaocc.org. While the event is free, a donation of food or money to the YMCA’s Anti-Hunger Program is encourages.
- Peter Buck, a state House candidate for the 171st District, will host a virtual 50th Earth Week panel at 7 p.m. Thursday with local climate leaders Michael Mann and Brandi Robinson. Mann is a distinguished professor of atmospheric science at Penn State and a leading climate researcher. Robinson is the chairperson of the Ferguson Township Climate Action committee and the Centre Region’s Technical Advisory Group for climate action and adaption planning. Information on how to join the Zoom call can be found at buckforpa.com or on Buck’s campaign Facebook page.
Sports
The PIAA has released a list of frequently asked questions..
Community outreach
Free meal options
This story was originally published April 22, 2020 at 10:45 AM.