Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Centre County on May 4

We’re keeping track of the most up-to-date news about coronavirus in Centre County. Check back for updates.

Centre County has more COVID-19 cases than nearby ‘red’ phase counties. Why will it reopen sooner?

As 24 Pennsylvania counties prepare for a partial reopening, some are questioning the state’s plan, but Gov. Tom Wolf’s office says the deciding factor includes more than just COVID-19 case numbers.

After meeting key metrics for coronavirus mitigation, including averaging fewer than 50 new positive cases of the virus per 100,000 residents for 14 days, Centre County will move into the “yellow” phase of reopening on Friday. Grouped with rural, northern counties, Centre County has more total cases than neighboring counties including Blair and Mifflin — areas that will still be in the red phase of reopening.

On Monday, state representatives Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte, Rich Irvin, R-Spruce Creek, and Jonathan Hershey, R-Juniata, sent a letter to Wolf, urging him to reconsider his decision to keep Mifflin County in the red phase.

- by Marley Parish

Big Ten cancels organized team activities through June 1, increases mental health focus

The Big Ten extended its suspension of organized team activities in athletics through June 1.

The conference announced the decision with a press release Monday morning, the same day its extended cancellation was set to come to an end. The Big Ten previously canceled all conference and non-conference competitions through the end of the 2019-20 academic year, which includes spring sports that have a schedule that extends beyond the academic calendar.

Coaching staffs are also prohibited from recruiting on or off campus for the foreseeable future as the Big Ten and other conferences work to manage athletics through the challenges of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

- by Jon Sauber

Centre County adds 3 new COVID-19 cases as statewide total tops 50,000

Three new cases of the coronavirus were reported Monday in Centre County by the state Department of Health, bringing the county’s total to 105 since March 20.

There are 50,092 reported cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania as of noon Monday, an increase of 825 since noon Sunday, according to the DOH. It is the smallest single-day increase in new cases since March 31.

Centre County reported one new case among a nursing or personal care home resident. There are four cases among residents and three among staff at three long-term care facilities, according to the DOH.

- by Bret Pallotto

What does Centre County’s upcoming ‘yellow’ phase mean for Centre Region parks?

As Centre County prepares for a partial reopening, the Centre Region Parks and Recreation Authority has altered its COVID-19 response plan to ensure the health and safety of park visitors.

While the county is in its “yellow” status as outlined by Gov. Tom Wolf, CRPR programs and events remain canceled through June 30. But some park facilities — restrooms and athletic courts — will open next week, the authority announced Monday.

Under Wolf’s plan, counties moving to the yellow phase starting Friday will operate under new guidelines until moving to the green phase. Wolf said there is no date when an area could move to a green designation.

- by Marley Parish

With canceled events and fewer calls, Centre County fire, EMS companies face new challenges

Financial challenges are not new for fire and ambulance companies across Pennsylvania, but canceled fundraisers and decreased call volume have many in Centre County more concerned than ever about the future.

With the increasing shortage of volunteer firefighters and EMS providers in Pennsylvania, companies rely heavily on emergency calls, community donations and support to cover the rising cost of equipment and bills. But the coronavirus pandemic has affected all of those areas, leading local fire and ambulance services to cut costs where they can and hope for state assistance.

-by Marley Parish

Health care

• Mount Nittany Health has launched a gratitude website dedicated to thanking its employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The site allows community members to post notes, images and videos of encouragement and thanks to health care providers and staff on a virtual pin board. Users can also share posts on the board to popular social media sites like Facebook and Instagram. View the site and salute health care heroes at CourageousAtHeart.org.

Community outreach

• To support business owners during this time, Steve Koval of B2B CFO in State College is offering local businesses access to free cash flow advice sessions. In the 30-minute remote, one-on-one phone call sessions, business owners will learn what immediate action they can take, what plans they could make for the next few months and valuable insights on how they can restart their business. For more information, call 880-8835, email stevekoval@b2bcfo.com or visit http://stevekovalcfo.com.

Municipal services

• Brush and leaf collection will resume Monday in Ferguson Township, with a second collection scheduled for May 18.
• The Centre Region Code Administration will resume operations, while observing safety precautions, on Monday. The administration office will remain closed to the public for at least four to six weeks, during which time field staff will work out of their vehicles to reduce in-office contact with other staff. CRCA will begin accepting email requests for inspections starting Monday, as well as resume its normal inspection schedule.

Reopening preparations

Things to do

• A community rock garden has been set up in Greenbriar Saybrook Park, 1386 N. Foxpointe Drive, State College, and is open to anyone who wants to paint a rock and share it in the garden. The rock garden started in March, with people leaving rocks that have messages of encouragement or art for others to enjoy. The garden is located in the middle of the park, with rocks placed in the barked/natural areas (not grass) around the trees.

• Happy Valley Improv will perform virtually at 7:30 p.m. every Thursday starting this week on the streaming platform Mixer. The show is free but donations will be accepted; 25% will go to The State Theatre with another 25% to a local business or nonprofit each week. The group will also hold a monthly late night show, with this month’s set for 9:30 p.m. May 28. All shows will be streamed at www.mixer.com/happyvalleyimprov. Additionally, the group will offer virtual improv classes starting this week. For information on schedules, fees and registration, visit www.happyvalleyimprov.com/eprova.html. Happy Valley Improv also hosts a free practice group at 7 p.m. Sundays. For more, or to join the group’s mailing list, email RichD.HVI@gmail.com.
• Happy Valley’s Got Talent will be held virtually this year. The show, which benefits Tides, will be presented on Facebook at 7 p.m. May 12 and will feature performers from previous years. There will also be discussions about grief and loss during the pandemic.

Free meal options

This story was originally published May 4, 2020 at 8:39 AM.