Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Centre County on May 13

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

UPDATE: 2 more in Centre County die of COVID-19 as cases in nursing homes continue to rise

Two more senior citizens recently died of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, to increase the county’s total coronavirus deaths to five, according to the Centre County coroner’s office.

The deceased include a 74-year-old man Tuesday and an 88-year-old woman Wednesday. Their names have not been released due to privacy issues, but both died at Mount Nittany Medical Center, per the coroner’s office.

It is not yet known what ZIP code they’re from or whether they resided in local nursing homes, but Centre County Coroner Scott Sayers said Wednesday afternoon that information should be publicly released “within a few days.”

- by Josh Moyer

Catholic churches around Centre County to reopen for private prayer; 4-phase reopening plan released

Catholic churches in Centre County won’t reopen for “regular” Mass just yet, but the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown — which includes eight counties, including Centre — announced Wednesday afternoon they’re finalizing a four-phase plan that will go into effect Saturday.

Come Saturday, Catholic churches will open only for private prayer and for those wearing masks, with seating restrictions to promote social-distancing amid the global pandemic. Other acts — such as communion, confession, Mass, etc. — will come in future phases.

“Although much still needs to happen before truly returning to the normal life of the Church, today’s announcement that parishes may reopen their doors and the faithful may return for private prayer is a great first step,” Secretary for Communications Tony DeGol said in a written statement. “As we continue to move forward, we ask for everyone’s patience and understanding.”

- by Josh Moyer

A drive-in graduation ceremony? Philipsburg-Osceola School District sets commencement plans

The Philipsburg-Osceola class of 2020 will walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, but graduates will have to wait and celebrate at a drive-in screening of the ceremony.

Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District seniors will be invited back to participate in commencement. In scheduled shifts, students will receive their diploma in a cap and gown while being recorded. The video will be edited and compiled to create a virtual ceremony that will be screened at the Super 322 Drive-In in Clearfield County.

“We’re all trying to do our best,” Superintendent Gregg Paladina said during Tuesday’s board meeting. “I think we’ll put up something really nice and memorable for these students. It’s very unfortunate ... but right now, it’s the safest way to go.”

- by Marley Parish

‘Significantly reduced’ operations continue at University Park Airport during COVID-19 pandemic

Despite a 95% decline in passenger traffic, University Park Airport is still operating, but at a “significantly reduced level,” the airport terminal executive director said.

With a steep decline in travel worldwide due to the coronavirus pandemic, the airport — located in Benner Township — saw a 32% decrease in overall aircraft operations — takeoffs and landings — in April compared to 2019, Airport Terminal Executive Director Bryan Rodgers said.

American, Delta and United airlines are arriving at and departing from the airport at a reduced level, and Allegiant still has flights to and from locations in Florida.

- by Marley Parish

Though ‘not the ideal graduation,’ one Centre County school district plans in-person ceremony

Members of the Penns Valley class of 2020 will be honored in person, as the school district announced plans Tuesday for a socially-distant commencement.

The Penns Valley Area School District will host a combined in-person and virtual graduation on June 5 at 9 a.m. in front of the high school to honor graduating seniors and their families.

“We understand that this is not the ideal graduation ceremony, but we are thankful that we will have the opportunity to congratulate the class of 2020 in person,” Dustin Dalton, director of data and instruction, said in a Facebook post announcing the plans.

- by Marley Parish

Expanded Centre Gives online event continues Wednesday. Here’s how to show support for nonprofits

As many Centre County nonprofits face financial challenges due to COVID-19, the Centre Foundation has expanded its annual online giving event with an additional $100,000 stretch pool and $40,000 in prizes.

Centre Gives will begin 9 a.m. Tuesday and conclude Wednesday at 9 p.m. The 36-hour event aims to support local nonprofits. This year, the Centre Foundation has enhanced its efforts to support more than 100 community organizations by adding an additional $100,000 bonus stretch pool, $40,000 in prizes and lowered the minimum gift amount to $10.

“Times are tough for a lot of people right now, and there are a lot of people in need in our community,” Community Impact Director Rachael Hartman said. “If you’re able, please give and know that during Centre Gives, your gift will have an even greater impact.”

- by Marley Parish

Local nonprofits drum up community support during Centre Gives

Local nonprofit groups have been using social media to encourage supporters to contribute during Centre Gives. Check back throughout the day for some of the highlights.

- CDT staff reports

Some counties continue on path to defy governor’s orders

Beaver County is among the counties planning to defy Gov. Tom Wolf, advising residents that it will operate under the looser coronavirus restrictions being allowed elsewhere in Pennsylvania, an official said Wednesday.

Beaver County, home to a severe outbreak in a large nursing home, is the only western Pennsylvania county where the Democratic governor has not lifted his tightest restrictions on residents leaving their homes and businesses that can operate.

- The Associated Press

Pennsylvania AG opens criminal probes into nursing homes

Pennsylvania’s top prosecutor has opened criminal investigations into several nursing homes amid a coronavirus outbreak that has killed 2,600 residents of nursing homes and other facilities that care for older adults, more than two-thirds of the state’s death toll, his office announced Tuesday.

The attorney general’s office did not say how many facilities it is investigating, or reveal their names or provide any other details about the specific allegations. In general, the attorney general’s office has jurisdiction in manners of criminal neglect.

“We will hold nursing facilities and caretakers criminally accountable if they fail to properly provide care to our loved ones,” Attorney General Josh Shapiro said in a written statement. “While we salute and appreciate nursing home staff on the front lines during this pandemic, we will not tolerate those who mistreat our seniors and break the law.”

- The Associated Press

Business updates

Local government

• Ferguson Township is asking residents to take a six-question survey about how COVID-19 updates can be communicated. The survey closes on Monday and can be found here.

Pennsylvania news

• The state Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that it will use existing photos on file for for customers who renew their driver’s license and identification cards to help limit the number of people in its driver and photo license centers and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. All customers who renew their driver’s license or photo ID card online or through the mail will receive a new product using their most recent photos in PennDOT’s system. Anyone who renewed their product on or before Sunday will receive a camera card in the mail and will need to visit a PennDOT Photo License Center to obtain an updated photo. The Rockview center at 812 W. College Ave. in Pleasant Gap is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday will be designated for customers 60 and older.
• In further effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19, PennDOT announced Tuesday that expiration dates for vehicle registrations and safety and emission inspections will be extended. Vehicle registrations, safety inspections and emissions inspections and parking placards for those with disabilities scheduled to expire from March 16 through May 31 have been extended through June 30. The same extensions were announced for driver’s licenses on May 1.

Health care

• Mount Nittany Health is offering telemedicine and in-person appointments at physicians’ offices. Elective and nonemergency surgeries have resumed at Mount Nittany Medical Center and Mount Nittany Health Surgical Center, the health system said in a statement Tuesday. The health system is taking several measures to keep patients safe, such as providing screenings at entrances, enhancing cleaning and having everyone wear masks. For more information, visit mountnittany.org/open.

Things to do

• Penn State President Eric Barron will host a virtual town hall at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday to answer questions regarding how the university continue to manage the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, including the work being done to return students and staff to campus. The hourlong event will be livestreamed at liveevents.psu.edu, and also feature Executive Vice President and Provost Nick Jones and other key faculty and administrative leaders.

Community outreach

• Penn State College of Medicine students are supporting health care workers and local restaurants through Feed the Fight - State College. The group is providing donated meals to medical facilities in the county, including Mount Nittany Medical Center’s emergency department and several Penn State Health clinics. To make a donation to sponsor a meal, contact Shara Chopra at Schopra1@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.

Free meal options

This story was originally published May 13, 2020 at 10:37 AM.