Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Centre County on May 5
We’re keeping track of the most up-to-date news about coronavirus in Centre County. Check back for updates.
Mount Nittany Health celebrates release of one of hospital’s first COVID-19 patients
More than 50 Mount Nittany Medical Center employees lined the hospital’s hallways Friday to celebrate the discharge of one of the hospital’s first COVID-19 patients.
The man, whom the hospital did not identify, was reunited with his wife of 46 years after receiving treatment for 31 days.
“I can’t thank all of the doctors and nurses at the hospital enough. I appreciate them so much,” the man’s wife said in a statement shared by the health system. “I’ve always believed in miracles, but I’d never had one in my life until now.”
- by Bret Pallotto
A Bellefonte senior living facility is the third in Centre County to confirm a case of COVID-19
A Centre Crest employee tested positive for the new coronavirus, the nursing and rehabilitation center’s administrator said Tuesday.
Centre Crest is the third known nursing or personal care home in Centre County with a case of COVID-19.
The Oaks at Pleasant Gap last week confirmed to the Centre Daily Times that a resident and staff member each tested positive, while Wynwood House at State College confirmed Friday that an employee tested positive.
- by Bret Pallotto
Centre County adds 1 COVID-19 case; Pennsylvania total at 50,957 cases
Centre County added one new case of the coronavirus Tuesday, according to the state Department of Health, after adding three Monday.
There are now 106 cases in Centre County and 50,957 total cases of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania, with 865 new cases since Monday at noon.
The state’s death total increased by 554 to 3,012 Tuesday afternoon. The county has had one COVID-19 death, which came on April 16, according to Centre County Coroner Scott Sayers.
- by Jon Sauber
A ‘soft launch’? Centre County businesses approach partial reopening with caution
Days ahead of Centre County’s partial reopening, some businesses and organizations are reviewing state recommendations while others plan to open doors that have been closed for about six weeks.
Several COVID-19 restrictions are set to be lifted or eased Friday in Centre County and 23 other counties, Gov. Tom Wolf announced last week.
Stay-at-home orders are scheduled to be removed, gatherings of up to 25 people are expected to be permitted and retail stores and some other businesses can start to reopen.
- Bret Pallotto
With the primary election less than a month away, Pa. and Centre County officials urge mail-in ballots
With the primary election less than a month away, state and local officials are encouraging residents to cast their vote by mail, but they should apply for a ballot as soon as possible.
Rescheduled due to COVID-19, the primary election is now set for June 2. But its new date still poses a number of challenges for state and county officials to overcome, including consolidating precincts and preparing for a decline in volunteers. Despite the mail-in option, Gov. Tom Wolf and Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar said the state is working to ensure Election Day is safe for those who turn out to vote in-person.
“From where we stand today, it is unlikely that we will eradicate COVID-19 from our commonwealth by June 2, but we still need to hold a primary election,” Wolf said Monday. “Free and fair elections are essential to who we are as a country, and democracy is perhaps even more important than ever during times of crisis.”
- Marley Parish
‘It was very emotional.’ Bald Eagle Area celebrates Class of 2020 with surprise parade
Jaden Jones’ first reaction when he heard the sirens of a fire engine on Saturday was a natural one. The Bald Eagle Area senior was concerned that something went wrong at the high school, maybe a car accident or a fire.
He was happy to see that wasn’t the case when he pulled into the school parking lot, and even happier to see why the sirens were blaring.
“You get up (to the high school) and there was all of these people there,” Jones, a three-sport athlete for the Eagles, said. “They had their signs and everything and they were cheering as you drive by. It was really nice. I definitely didn’t expect it.”
- by Jon Sauber
Real estate activities to resume in yellow areas
Starting Friday, real estate activity can resume in areas designated as yellow under the governor’s reopening plan, albeit with limitations. That includes no more than two people in a property at one time for in-person inspections, showings or walk-throughs, and social distancing precautions must be taken as well, including masks.
Hank Lerner, director of law and policy for the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors, said social distancing guidelines mean that open houses are pretty much off the table. But, he said, the Wolf administration should have allowed three people to go into houses together to accommodate both spouses and their agent. Otherwise, two such tours might be necessary, thus potentially increasing exposure to the virus, Lerner said.
- The Associated Press
Penn State
- As several counties, including Centre, move into the yellow phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s reopening plan, Penn State faculty and staff at all campuses should plan to continue working from home trough at least the end of May unless otherwise advised by their superior or unit leadership, the university announced Sunday. Telework is still encouraged where feasible in the yellow phase. Penn State is developing return-to work plans to set up infrastructure to allow faculty and staff to safely return once moving into the green phase.
Pennsylvania news
- Shooting ranges will reopen Friday in counties that move to the yellow phase of the state’s reopening plan, the Pennsylvania Game Commission said Tuesday. Rifle, shotgun, pistol and archery ranges on state game lands will reopen, including those on State Game Lands 176 in Centre County, State Game Lands 77 in Clearfield County, State Game Lands 24 in Forest County, State Game Lands 72 in Clarion County and State Game Lands 109 in Erie County. The commission’s regional offices in Jersey Shore and Franklin will also reopen to the public Friday. Shooting ranges on state game lands in red counties will remain closed.
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 insights on how they can restart their business. For more information, call 880-8835, email stevekoval@b2bcfo.com or visit stevekovalcfo.com.
Municipal services
- Brush and leaf collection resumed Monday in Ferguson Township, with a second collection scheduled for May 18.
- The Centre Region Code Administration resumed 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 began accepting email requests for inspections starting Monday, and resumed its normal inspection schedule.
Reopening preparations
Things to do
- The Bryce Jordan Center will celebrate the class of 2020 on Facebook Live with Virtual Backstage Pass at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Special guests will share stories, congratulate graduates and look back at notable moments at the BJC from the past school year. Join the event at www.facebook.com/jordancenter.
- 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 5, 2020 at 10:35 AM with the headline "Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Centre County on May 5."