Reopening updates: Centre County adds 7 COVID-19 cases, and other updates for July 3

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.

Wolf’s mask order inflames partisan fight over virus

Gov. Tom Wolf’s more expansive mask order issued this week as the coronavirus shows new signs of life in Pennsylvania and the July Fourth holiday starts has been met with hostility from Republicans objecting to the Democrat’s use of power or even to wearing a mask itself.

It is one of many partisan fights over how Wolf has handled the coronavirus in a premier presidential battleground state where Democrats have sought to blame President Donald Trump for the devastation caused by the pandemic and Republicans have sought to blame Wolf.

It also comes as Texas’ Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered masks to be worn in public across most of the state, after previously saying the government could not order people to wear masks.

-Associated Press

Centre County adds 7 new COVID-19 cases

At the start of the July 4th holiday weekend, Centre County added seven new COVID-19 cases Friday, according to the state Department of Health. There were six new cases reported Thursday, with the county’s overall total at 217 since the first case was reported March 20.

Of Centre County’s total, 202 are confirmed and 16 are probable; 4,589 people have tested negative.

Statewide, there were 667 new cases Friday, according to the DOH, bringing the total to 88,741. Of those, 78% have recovered.

There were 34 new deaths reported in Pennsylvania, bringing the total deaths attributed to COVID-19 at 6,746. According to the DOH, there have been 7 deaths in Centre County, though the coroner’s office has only confirmed six.

“As the entire state is now in the green phase, we must remain committed to protecting against COVID-19 by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and avoiding large gatherings this holiday weekend,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said in a statement Friday. “Pennsylvania has been a model for the country on how to reopen effectively using a careful, measured approach. However, the virus has not gone away and we are seeing cases rise, especially in Southwest Pennsylvania.”

County data by ZIP code has not yet been updated Friday.

-By Jessica McAllister

Live shows are not part of this year’s 4th Fest. But local musicians will take part virtually

The musicians are doing it again.

This time, local musicians are binding together to celebrate Central Pennsylvania 4th Fest under the leadership of Sgt. Bob Timney, a musician who’s so patriotic he’s performed the national anthem at public events over 1,000 times. Timney is organizing a virtual montage of local performers for the event, set to air Saturday night as part of a re-imagined 4th Fest celebration.

“This year, for the very first time, 4th Fest will not have performers on stage physically performing in front of others,” Timney wrote in an email.

-By Kevin Briggs

Disinfectant fogging machine and more are part of Our Lady of Victory’s reopening plans

School might look different this fall, but Our Lady of Victory Catholic School in State College is working to make instruction “as normal as possible.”

Beginning Aug. 18, OLV students and staff will return for in-person learning. With a goal of providing both a safe and educational environment, the OLV Return to School Committee, chaired by student resource officer Terry Stec, released details to families earlier this week — following weeks of work by staff, parents and medical professionals.

“We will have all the safety measures in place for a healthy and safe environment for all students and teachers and staff,” Neil Dadey, OLV pastoral administrator, said in a statement.

-By Marley Parish

July 4 will look different this year, but there are plenty of ways to celebrate in Centre County

Independence Day celebrations, set to represent one of the first shared experiences since March in Happy Valley, are almost here.

The Central Pennsylvania 4th Fest is scheduled to once again spearhead fireworks shows in the Centre Region, even though its traditional celebration was canceled.

The nonprofit plans to simultaneously light fireworks in four locations about 9:30 p.m. Saturday. Recommended viewing locations include the Nittany Mall, Hills Plaza, the shopping center along Colonnade Boulevard and the Science Park Road corridor.

Volunteers expect the displays to last about 12-15 minutes. An accompanying soundtrack is scheduled to be broadcast via radio — 99.5 WBUS, 93.7 WMAJ, 101.1 WFGE and 103.1 WAPY. Rain dates are scheduled for Friday and Sunday.

4th Fest has also planned a different kind of parade this year, calling on community members and organizations to submit videos for a virtual parade from 2-4 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/4thfestparade/.

- by Bret Pallotto

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This story was originally published July 3, 2020 at 8:32 AM.