Reopening updates: Centre County adds 1 COVID-19 case, and more updates for June 28
We’re keeping track of the most up-to-date coronavirus news now that Centre County is in the green phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan to reopen Pennsylvania. Check back for updates.
Centre County adds 1 COVID-19 case
One additional case of the coronavirus was added to Centre County’s overall total on Sunday, according to the state Department of Health.
That means the county has had 201 cases since the first was reported March 20. Of those, 187 are confirmed and 14 are probable. More than 4,000 county residents have tested negative, according to the state. Case information by ZIP code was not updated Sunday.
Statewide, there are 505 new cases Sunday, bringing the overall total 85,496 cases.
The DOH still reports 7 COVID-19 deaths in Centre County, though Centre County deputy coroner Scott Rawson said that the coroner’s office has not been notified of a seventh death. The coroner’s office has confirmed six COVID-19 deaths — an 89-year-old man on April 16, a 96-year-old man May 8, an 89-year-old woman May 9, a 74-year-old man May 12, an 88-year-old woman May 13 and an 88-year-old man May 27.
It’s not known why a discrepancy exists, but it’s possible that a permanent Centre County resident died outside of the county. Previously, deaths from Centre County’s total have been later removed as the state reconciles data.
There are 6,606 total deaths statewide attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 3 new deaths.
-By Jessica McAllister
State College announced that free borough parking is coming to an end. Here’s what you should know
State College’s free parking at garages, lots and meters is finally coming to an end.
The borough, which made such parking free in March in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Friday that normal parking operations will once again resume Aug. 3. That means on-street parking and the garages on Beaver Avenue, Fraser Street and Pugh Street will all resume charging at that time.
The move was long expected, especially with Penn State students set to officially arrive for the fall semester Aug. 21.
- by Josh Moyer
Pennsylvania news
- The state Department of Transportation on Thursday announced another extension on expiration dates for driver’s licenses, photo ID cards and learner’s permits in response to COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Licenses, ID cards and permits scheduled to expire from March 16 through July 31 have been extended until July 31. This extension also applies to camera cards. Vehicle registrations, safety and emissions inspections, and parking placards for those with disabilities that were previously extended until June 30 will not be extended again.
- Gov. Tom Wolf issued a reminder Friday that masks are required when entering businesses in the state. Businesses received guidance this week on the issue. The state says all workers and customers must wear a mask, unless they have a medical reason or are younger than 2. Workers or customers who try to enter a business without a mask should be asked to leave and return with one (a fabric mask is acceptable). Businesses are encouraged to find masks and other protective equipment for their workers and to use an online directory of manufacturers and suppliers if necessary. Masks should cover the nose and mouth and should not be removed while talking to someone, and fabric masks should be washed and fully dried between uses, the state said.
The Pennsylvania departments of Health and Human Services issued updated guidance Saturday for a safe return to activities, visitation and other events at long-term care facilities. In order to lift the restrictions at LTCFs, the departments of Health and of Human Services are requiring several prerequisites to be met before proceeding into the official three-step reopening process. Those prerequisites include the development of an implementation plan that details how the reopening and visitation guidelines will be met, administration of tests within 24 hours of a resident exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, a visitation scheduling plan, an isolation plan for COVID-19-positive residents, adequate staffing and PPE, among other requirements.
Community feedback
Community outreach/appreciation
Business
Recreation
- Centre Region Parks and Recreation will make announcements about pool capacity using the Remind app. The pools, which opened Saturday, will operate at 50% capacity due to COVID-19. Alerts will be sent out when the pools reach 50% capacity. The Welch pool complex will meet COVID-19 capacity at 350 people, while the Park Forest pool complex will max out at 175. Weather delays or closings will also be announced through the app. Residents can also sign up at remind.com/join/poolcap.
Things to do
Free food options
This story was originally published June 28, 2020 at 9:16 AM.