Reopening updates: No new COVID-19 cases reported in Centre County, and more updates for June 29

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.

‘We must remain vigilant.’ Centre County commissioners to discuss push for continued mask use

For months, Centre County has worked to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, but a decline in new case numbers and steady reopening of businesses does not mean the pandemic has ended.

On Tuesday, the board of commissioners is set to discuss a resolution to support the continued wearing of masks to “save lives and bring back jobs,” Commissioner Michael Pipe said in a social media post. If adopted, the board will send a copy of the proposal to all 35 Centre County municipalities — encouraging each to pass similar resolutions or, if permitted, ordinances.

“As we’ve gone through this pandemic, our community has followed the science and the advice of experts on how best to survive this pandemic,” Pipe said. “But we must remain vigilant.”

-By Marley Parish

What will school look like this fall? State College plans options for in-person, virtual learning

Anticipating a fall reopening, the State College Area School District plans to offer families a choice between in-person or remote instruction.

As required by the state Department of Education, SCASD developed a preliminary health and safety plan to create a safe learning environment for students, faculty and staff due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking ahead to the 2020-21 school year, the district has created three committees tasked with developing a plan for health and safety, education and operations for in-school instruction — assuming Centre County stays in the “green phase” of reopening.

Taking guidance from health professionals, including SCASD nurses, the district health and safety plan may be reviewed online and commented on through Tuesday. The final plan will be sent to the board of directors for approval July 6.

-By Marley Parish

No new COVID-19 cases reported in Centre County

No additional cases of the coronavirus were reported in Centre County on Monday, according to the state Department of Health, ending a weeklong streak of new cases being added to the county’s total.

The county remains at 201 cases since the first was reported March 20. Of those, 187 cases are probable and 14 are confirmed, according to the DOH.

Statewide, there are 492 new cases Monday, bringing the overall total to 85,988 cases. According to the DOH, 78% are recovered.

The DOH still reports seven COVID-19 deaths in Centre County, though the Centre County coroner’s office has only confirmed six 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.

Statewide, there are 6,614 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of eight new deaths.

-By Jessica McAllister

Allegheny County’s on-site alcohol consumption halted amid virus spike

Officials in western Pennsylvania’s Allegheny County are halting all on-site consumption of alcohol in bars and restaurants due to what they call an “alarming” spike in COVID-19 cases.

County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Dr. Debra Bogen, the county health department director, said the recent spike has been largely among young people and involved out-of-state travel, often including night life during travel, and going to local bars and restaurants.

Under the order to go into effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday, bars and restaurants can remain open but won’t be allowed to serve alcohol other than takeout options allowed by the state. In addition, masks will be enforced in restaurants until food arrives, and outdoor seating is being encouraged.

-Associated Press

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 29, 2020 at 9:17 AM.