Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Centre County on April 26
We’re keeping track of the most up-to-date news about coronavirus in Centre County. Check back for updates.
No new COVID-19 cases reported in Centre County as Pennsylvania tops 41,000 cases
Centre County added no new cases of the coronavirus on Sunday while the statewide total surpassed 41,000 cases, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
There have been just eight new cases in Centre County since April 17.
As of noon Sunday, there are now 41,165 total cases of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania, meaning 1,116 cases are new.
-By Jessica McAllister
Looking toward virtual graduation, ‘resilient’ State High seniors reflect on missed milestones
When Carene Olsson left for spring break, she never expected to finish her high school career online; Auden Yurman spent the year planning how to decorate her graduation cap.
Both were looking forward to walking across stage, wearing their cap and gowns, to receive their diplomas.
But with schools closed and in-person ceremonies canceled due to COVID-19, State College seniors will be celebrating virtually — unsure if they’ll get to say goodbye to their teachers and peers before parting ways. Like many high school seniors across Centre County and the United States, they feel they’re missing out on milestone events.
- by Marley Parish
Curbside recycling to resume Monday
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.
When collection starts back up, residents are asked not to place potentially contaminated items at the curb. Anyone in a household with members who have been sick, are quarantined or have tested positive for COVID-19 is asked to hold off recycling for a week before placing items outside to be picked up. Additionally, trash should be placed in closed or tied bags.
- by Matt Hymowitz
Centre County residents turn to nature to de-stress, disconnect during COVID-19 pandemic
A perfect day for Joe Tuorinsky of State College is spent out on a lake, with a couple of buddies, fishing. The farther away from cellphone service, the better.
“It’s nice not to have any distractions,” Tuorinsky said. “No notifications from my phone, no text messages, no social media, or anything. If my phone comes out of my pocket, it’s to take a picture of a fish.”
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, most Americans have been chained to technology: working from home, attending school online, and celebrating milestones via Zoom or FaceTime. But for many in central Pennsylvania, they’d gladly trade the online world for the great outdoors.
- by Stef Kempton, for the CDT
More Centre County liquor stores to reopen for curbside pickup Monday
As state-owned liquor stores remain closed to the public during the coronavirus pandemic, hundreds more will begin offering curbside pickup, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board said Friday.
Beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, 389 more Fine Wine & Good Spirits locations across the state will accept phone orders — the first 50 to 100 placed each day, according to the PLCB. Most stores will offer curbside service Monday through Saturday with pickups scheduled between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- by Matt Hymowitz
Things to do
- James Kastings, Evan Pugh professor of geosciences at Penn State, will lead a panel discussion on climate change impacts such as human heat stress and food security, as well as strategies to mitigate these challenges, at 4 p.m. Monday via Zoom.
- Centre Region Parks and Recreation will host the free online class GentleYoga at 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Pennsylvania news
Community outreach
Free meal options
This story was originally published April 26, 2020 at 8:37 AM.