Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Centre County on May 7

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

Penn State students urged to avoid ‘last hurrah’ in State College on virtual graduation weekend

Penn State students and their families who are yearning for a trip to some of University Park’s iconic landmarks during what was scheduled to be commencement weekend are discouraged from visiting Happy Valley.

The university’s student affairs office acknowledged in a letter that students may have an urge to return to State College to celebrate their once-in-a-lifetime achievement, but cautioned against ignoring COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

The letter was signed by Vice President for Student Affairs Damon Sims and student leaders from the Interfraternity Council, Thon, Penn State sports teams and others.

- by Bret Pallotto

Ready to get back to the movies? Here’s how a central Pa. drive-in is preparing to open

Seventy years after it first began, the Super 322 Drive-In is still going strong — and even the novel coronavirus hasn’t stopped it.

While the global pandemic has shut down movie theaters across the state, a disappointment for many movie lovers, Gov. Tom Wolf’s office clarified earlier this week that drive-ins — such as the one in Clearfield County, between Clearfield and Philipsburg — will still be allowed to operate. Of course, that currently only goes for drive-ins in “yellow” phase counties, but Super 322 is one of the few drive-ins located in an area set to partially reopen Friday.

It’s also the closest drive-in to Centre County, about a 10-minute drive from Philipsburg and a 45-minute drive from State College. It’s currently the only nearby spot that Centre County residents will be able to watch movies, outside of personal computers and TVs.

- by Josh Moyer

Centre County adds 3 new COVID-19 cases as statewide total tops 52,000

Three new coronavirus cases were reported in Centre County Thursday, according to the state Department of Health.

Centre County now has 116 overall cases of COVID-19, and statewide numbers continue to rise. As of noon Thursday, there are now 52,915 total cases of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania, meaning 1,070 cases are new.

Centre County reported two new cases among nursing or personal care home residents. There are 12 cases among residents and six among staff at three long-term care facilities, according to the DOH.

- by Marley Parish

Penn State head coach James Franklin prepares for uncertain future when football returns

The ongoing coronavirus has the state of the 2020 college football season in limbo, as players and coaches wait for word about when or if they’ll be able to return to the field. While many different scenarios have been thrown around, it’s impossible to plan for an exact time frame for when the season might begin.

But figuring out how to manage logistics once given the OK to return might be even more difficult.

Penn State head coach James Franklin said Wednesday afternoon he doesn’t want the season to return until it’s safe for his players and other personnel involved with the program.

- by Jon Sauber

Pennsylvania extends moratorium on evictions, foreclosures

Gov. Tom Wolf on Thursday extended a moratorium on foreclosures and evictions by another two months, saying residents should not have to worry about losing their homes during the pandemic.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court first suspended evictions in March, but its order is set to expire Monday. Wolf signed an executive order Thursday extending the moratorium to July 10.

“No one should have to worry about losing their home during this health emergency,” Wolf said at a video news conference. “This executive order takes one more burden off people who are struggling and gives them more time to get back on their feet.”

Municipal updates

• Penn State, the Centre Region Council of Governments and State College borough issued guidelines for off-campus Penn State student move-out, designed to keep both students and the community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Included in the guidelines, students are asked to plan with roommates and landlords to stagger move-out times, to be masked when outside of a rental unit, and to also use disposable gloves, hand sanitizer and cleaning solution, to practice social distancing and maintain 6 feet between other people and parked cars, and to stay at home if experiencing a fever.
• The State College borough joined a nationwide advocacy group to make to make U.S. congressional leadership aware of the unique impact the COVID-19 pandemic has on college and university towns’ 2020 Census counts and local economies. “As America experiences the harsh economic consequences of COVID-19, university and college towns also face another significant consequence: a Census undercount that could impact community quality of life for the next decade,” the group wrote in a letter to U.S. House and Senate leadership. Those interested in supporting the initiative can set up an online, editable letter to Congress at https://nlc.quorum.us/campaign/25995/.
  
  
• Spring bulk waste collection is taking place in the Centre Region the week of May 18-22. Households in which there has been a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 are asked to call 234-7198 for special pickup.

Reopening preparation

Health Care

• Mount Nittany Health held a Facebook Live question and answer session with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Nirmal Joshi. Joshi answered questions regarding the novel coronavirus.

Community outreach

Pennsylvania news

• Self-employed, independent contractors, gig and other workers are now eligible to apply for unemployment, state Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Jerry Oleksiak announced Thursday. Those workers can can begin filing backdated claims in the new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance website. The first phase of the website was launched April 18, and it was complete Thursday morning. More information on how to file can be found here.

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.

• 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.
• 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.

Free meal options

This story was originally published May 7, 2020 at 10:23 AM.