Centre County reports no new COVID-19 cases as state total nears 47,000
Centre County reported no new COVID-19 cases Friday, maintaining a two-week tally total of 23 coronavirus cases.
The county has about 14 new confirmed cases per 100,000 in the past 14 days. A target goal outlined by Gov Tom Wolf and the state Department of Health for reopening the Keystone State is fewer than 50 new confirmed cases per 100,000 in the past 14 days.
Additional reopening criteria includes enough testing for individuals with symptoms and target populations, robust case investigation and contact tracing initiatives, and assurance that high-risk facilities have safeguards in place.
Wolf is expected to announce guidelines for reopening Pennsylvania Friday afternoon.
There are 96 reported coronavirus cases in Centre County and 46,971 cases in Pennsylvania as of noon Friday — a statewide increase of 1,208 since Thursday, according to the DOH.
“As we see the number of new COVID-19 cases continuously change across the state, that does not mean we can stop practicing social distancing,” Health Secretary Rachel Levine said in a statement. “We must continue to stay home to protect ourselves, our families and our community.”
The statewide death toll increased by 62 Friday, bringing the total to 2,354. The number of COVID-19 deaths reported in Centre County remains at one.
The DOH has reported three COVID-19 cases among three residents across two personal care homes in Centre County.
While the DOH does not list any confirmed cases among Centre County nursing home employees, The Oaks at Pleasant Gap confirmed Tuesday that at least one staff member tested positive.
It is unknown how many Pennsylvanians have recovered from the coronavirus. The DOH is not notified when patients are discharged.
Nearly 1,000 Centre County residents have been tested for the virus as of Friday. About 10% have tested positive, according to the DOH.
The new coronavirus first appeared in the state March 6, and every one of the state’s 67 counties had at least one confirmed case by April 7. Centre County saw its first case March 20, and reported its first death April 17.
In Centre County, here’s the breakdown by ZIP code (those without cases are not listed):
- 16823 (Bellefonte, Milesburg and Pleasant Gap): 28
16801 (State College): 26
16827 (Boalsburg): 9
- 16803 (State College): 8
- 16870 (Port Matilda): 7
16866, 16686, 16844, 16828, 16852, 16822: 1-4 cases each (Specific numbers are not available)
According to the state’s hospital preparedness dashboard, which was last updated Thursday afternoon, 2,669 Pennsylvanians are hospitalized and receiving treatment for COVID-19. No COVID-19 patients in Centre County are on ventilator care.
Anyone who believes they came into contact with someone who might have the coronavirus is advised to monitor their health and call their primary care provider if they develop symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath. Symptoms can appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
Those who believe they might be sick are encouraged to stay at home except to get medical care. Residents are also urged to call their health care provider before visiting. And those who do venture outside are urged to wear masks.
This story was originally published May 1, 2020 at 12:14 PM.
