Reopening updates: Here’s what to know in Centre County on July 16
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.
Here’s why Penn State says more than half of its fall-semester classes will be online-only
More than half of Penn State’s classes will be held entirely online in the fall semester as a direct result of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, the university announced late Wednesday night.
About 1 in 5 classes — 19% — will still be delivered entirely in-person, while 28% will consist of a hybrid model that blends both online and in-person. In other words, a little more than half (53%) of Penn State’s classes will be online-only while a little less than half (47%) will have some form of in-person instruction.
Students are still able to temporarily change their campus in the fall to any nearby commonwealth campus or to the World Campus, if they no longer wish to attend University Park for the semester. Any University Housing contracts can be canceled without penalty.
-By Josh Moyer
The state Department of Health reports a 9th COVID-19-related death in Centre County
Centre County reported Thursday its ninth death attributed to the new coronavirus, according to the state Health Department.
The county coroner’s office was not notified of the death, just like the two deaths that reportedly preceded it, Deputy Coroner Deb Smeal said. The coroner’s office tally remains at six deaths.
The county added no new cases Thursday, marking the first time this month that no new cases were reported. The county’s total remained at 262 since the first case was reported March 20. There have been 6,053 negative tests.
-By Bret Pallotto
PIAA is moving forward with its fall sports seasons amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Pennsylvania is on track to have high school sports this fall, barring a directive from the state government to shut down.
The PIAA — Pennsylvania’s governing body over high school sports — announced Wednesday evening that it will move forward with its fall sports seasons despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and increasing COVID-19 cases.
Football will begin “heat acclimatization” Aug. 10 and other fall sports will begin practice Aug. 17.
The governing body released a statement on its Twitter account saying it’s committed to providing a season for sports in the upcoming school year, but will be flexible if conditions change.
“Our focus is the health and safety of student athletes which is paramount in moving forward with athletics,” the statement read. “Each member school has developed health and safety guidelines to allow athletics to continue as an important part of the school day. Participation in athletics has known health benefits, including promoting physical fitness and mental wellness which is necessary in a time of uncertainty for our student athletes.”
- by Jon Sauber
Wolf announces stricter COVID-19 mitigation efforts for Pa. bars, restaurants. Here’s what to know
With a steady rise in COVID-19 cases throughout Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf announced stricter mitigation efforts for bars and restaurants Wednesday.
As some ignore the masking mandate and continue to travel out of state, Wolf said Pennsylvania has seen an “unsettling climb” in new cases. To slow the spread of the virus, Wolf has signed an executive order that will take effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday and further limits restaurant and bar operations.
Under the new order, Pennsylvania bars and restaurants must limit indoor dining occupancy to 25%, and alcohol consumption is reserved for meals and carry-out only. Nightclubs are prohibited from conducting operations.
- by Marley Parish
Sports
- Philadelphia city officials said Tuesday that fans will not be allowed to attend professional sports games in 2020, meaning there will be no fans at home Eagles games this year, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The Phillies had already announced that they would play without fans in attendance. “I do think that games can be played with the kind of safety precautions that they’re proposing. I do not think that they can have spectators at those games,” Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said.
The Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference is set to announce Wednesday that it won’t be playing fall sports in 2020 due to COVID-19, according to multiple reports. The PSAC includes 18 schools — West Chester, Kutztown, Bloomsburg, Shippensburg, Millersville, Lock Haven, East Stroudsburg, Slippery Rock, IUP, Cal U, Edinboro, Merychurst, Clarion, Gannon, Seton Hill, Mansfield, Shepherd and Pitt-Johnstown.
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This story was originally published July 16, 2020 at 8:26 AM.