Coronavirus updates: Here’s what to know in Centre County on May 14
We’re keeping track of the most up-to-date coronavirus news as Centre County continues to reopen. Check back for updates.
Why 25,000 PSU students will receive cash grants of up to $1K to cover coronavirus-related expenses
Nearly 1 in 3 Penn State students — about 25,000 in all — are set to receive cash grants of up to $1,000 apiece from the university’s share of a federal relief fund to cover expenses related to the global pandemic, the university announced Wednesday.
About 23,000 undergraduate students and 2,000 graduate, law and medical students will receive the grants “soon after the funding is made available” by the U.S. Department of Education. A second round of funding, which has the potential to help an additional 2,000-plus students, will take place some time afterward.
“Knowing that a significant number of our students have experienced financial hardship, we want to make as deep of an impact as possible with this funding to reach as many students as we can who have incurred expenses as a result of the necessary shift to remote instruction,” Penn State President Eric Barron said in a news release.
- by Josh Moyer
Centre County weighs best use of federal COVID-19 relief funding
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Centre County plans to use federal development funds to address gaps in health and human services — a shift from how the funds have been traditionally used.
As part of the county’s response to COVID-19, small businesses, nonprofits and emergency services affected by the pandemic could receive relief as Centre County administers Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding. But during a public hearing held Thursday, officials said that improving local human services and resources are top priorities.
During the public hearing, the board of commissioners and Bellefonte Borough Council members discussed how to help those most in need of emergency Community Development Block Grant monies. The funds were received through the CARES Act, which provided $5 billion in block grants to communities as they respond to COVID-19.
- by Marley Parish
Downtown State College business cites COVID-19 as the main factor in decision to close
A downtown State College brunch restaurant and bakery closed after about six years in business.
Sadie’s Gourmet Waffles, 118 S. Pugh St., joined Mike’s Wood Grill and Bar as at least the second Centre Region restaurant to close and cite the COVID-19 mitigation efforts as a main factor.
“We are saddened to tell our incredible, loyal customers that Sadie’s Waffles has closed permanently,” the business wrote Thursday in a Facebook post. “We appreciate all the fantastic people we have met and hope that you can remember the joy our incredible waffles and baked goods with great memories. The COVID-19 dilemma has forced us to close since we are a downtown business and no one is here for us to serve.”
- by Bret Pallotto
CATA rates could be higher this summer. Here’s what you need to know
For the first time since 2017, CATA riders could be paying higher bus fare.
The Centre Area Transportation Authority is proposing an increase in bus fare — raising the base fee from $2 to $2.20 with a matching percentage increase for all passes. The raise, if approved, will also apply to CATAGo — an on-demand ride service that launched in January.
The board of directors will host a virtual hearing at 5:30 p.m. May 26 to discuss the rate increase, which could take effect this summer. The meeting will be open to the public via WebEx; participants are required to preregister.
- by Marley Parish
Centre County adds 1 new COVID-19 death, 2 new cases, Pa. Department of Health reports
One more Centre County resident died of the new coronavirus, bringing the county’s total to six, the state Health Department reported Thursday.
The Centre County Coroner’s Officer, however, has not received any notification of an additional since Wednesday, when it confirmed the county’s fourth and fifth deaths — a 74-year-old man Tuesday and an 88-year-old woman, according to Deputy Coroner Debra Smeal.
According to the DOH, four of Centre County’s six COVID-19 deaths have been associated with nursing or personal care homes.
- by Bret Pallotto
‘We are astounded.’ Centre County community breaks records with annual giving event
Centre Gives received a record $2.19 million in donations this year — a total that surpassed last year’s total of $1.44 million.
The 36-hour giving event concluded Wednesday night and set a new record with 17,000 gifts. This year, the Centre Foundation expanded its efforts to help nonprofits that canceled traditional fundraisers due to the coronavirus. With a $100,000 bonus stretch pool, $40,000 in prizes and a lowered minimum gift amount, the campaign surpassed last year by more than $750,000.
“We are astounded by the complete outpouring of support that Centre Gives received this year, despite the challenges COVID-19 has brought,” Molly Kunkel, executive director of Centre Foundation, said in a release. “We are so incredibly proud of what the community has done to support the nonprofit sector in just 36 hours.”
- by Marley Parish
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
Penn State
- Penn State is canceling or moving to virtual delivery all nonessential events and meetings, including youth sports camps and gatherings of any kind, on campus through at least June 30. Any essential in-person meetings or events must have fewer than 10 attendees, maintain proper social distancing practices and require all participants to wear masks.
Business updates
Recreation
Jobs
Closings/cancellations
Municipal updates
- 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
- Gov. Tom Wolf ordered United States and commonwealth flags on all commonwealth facilities, public buildings and grounds to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Friday in honor of Peace Officers Memorial Day. “Our law enforcement officials work around the clock to protect us and provide public safety,” Wolf said in a release. “Now, more than ever, we should honor their commitment to our communities, which has given us a sense of security during this global pandemic.”
- Due to the closure of fingerprinting stations throughout Pennsylvania during the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Tom wolf signed Act 18 on May 8 to temporarily suspend the FBI background check requirement for childcare workers and volunteers until Dec. 31, 2020, or 60 days after the end of the emergency declaration, whichever comes first.
Community outreach/appreciation
- Mount Nittany Health is holding a Heroes Parade at noon Friday to honor the area’s first responders. Police cars, fire trucks and ambulances will travel up Hospital Drive, go around the medical center then exit. Attendees are encouraged to make signs of support for the first responders in the parade. The event will be broadcast live on Mount Nittany Health’s Facebook page.
- The State College Area School District is holding a “Stuff the Bus” food collection drive from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday to benefit the State College Food Bank. Nonperishable food items, including those on the food bank’s “greatest needs” list, can be dropped off at Corl Street, Easterly Parkway, Ferguson Township, Gray’s Woods, Mount Nittany, Park Forest, Radio Park and Spring Creek elementary schools, and Mount Nittany Middle and Park Forest middle schools. The district’s school buses will then pick up the food and deliver the donations to the food bank the next day. “When I was a child, my family depended on the local food bank to get us through a time of need,” SCASD Director of Transportation Van Swauger said in a release. “As I began to think of how to help our local food bank during this present time of need, I came up with the “Stuff the Bus” event to help local families as a way of giving back.”
Things to do
Penn State released a list of virtual things to do from May 14-21, including online lectures, exhibits and more.
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.
Penn State University Police and Public Safety is holding four public safety Zoom sessions each week through May27. Two sessions each week will cover Penn State’s Active Attacker Response Program, and the other two wil be open question and answer sessions with Penn State police officers. Participants should register with a Penn State email in advance; space is limited. Register here for the Active Attacker Response Program. Register here for the open public safety Q&A session.
Free meal options
This story was originally published May 14, 2020 at 12:22 PM.