Reopening updates: Centre County adds 1 new COVID-19 case, and other updates for May 30

We’re keeping track of the most up-to-date coronavirus news as Centre County enters the green phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan to reopen Pennsylvania. Check back for updates.

Centre County adds 1 new case of COVID-19 while Pennsylvania’s total increases to 71,415

Centre County added one new cases Saturday of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, to boost the county total to 152 overall, according to the state Department of Health.

Statewide, there are now 71,415 total cases of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania, meaning 680 cases are new. That marks the 20th straight day that single-day increases have been below 1,000 — a considerable decrease from the April 9 peak of 1,989 new cases.

Based on how the state now defines a recovery, which counts as a patient having survived 30 days from a positive test, about 66% of those who tested positive have recovered in the commonwealth. Using those same metrics, the Centre Daily Times estimates that about 63% of the county’s infected have also recovered.

Locally, every county surrounding Centre County now has at least 39 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Totals from nearby counties are as follows:

• Blair County: 50 (1 death)
• Cambria County: 57 (2 deaths)
• Clearfield County: 39 (0 deaths)
• Clinton County: 56 (3 deaths)
• Huntingdon County: 230 (2 deaths)
• Juniata County: 95 (4 deaths)
• Mifflin County: 59 (1 death)
• Union County: 59 (1 death)

In Centre County, here’s the breakdown by ZIP code (those without cases are not listed):

• 16823 (Bellefonte, Milesburg and Pleasant Gap): 39
  
  
• 16801 (State College): 34

• 16803 (State College): 25

• 16827 (Boalsburg): 9

• 16870 (Port Matilda): 9
• 16686 (Tyrone): 6

• 16666, 16841, 16866, 16844, 16828, 16852, 16822: 1-4 cases each (Specific numbers not available)

The statewide death toll from the virus also rose Saturday, increasing by 73 to 5,537. So far, six total COVID-19 deaths have been confirmed in Centre County — 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 Wednesday, according to the Centre County Coroner’s Office.

The state DOH is reporting seven deaths for Centre County, contrary to the coroner. Although it’s not known why a discrepancy exists, it’s possible that a permanent Centre County resident died outside of the county.

- by Josh Moyer

How Bellefonte Little League is gearing up to resume play in a socially distanced world

Bellefonte Little League was running out of time to get its season started. Unlike other local leagues, Bellefonte had a tight window to get its season in. Commissioner Bill Carey previously told the Centre Daily Times the season had to be over by Aug. 1 in order to allow players to play football.

The league’s chances of having a season decreased as each day passed, but earlier this week, the good news finally came. Centre County would be entering the green phase of the state’s response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic on May 29. After frustration with the county’s original decision to delay the change to green until June 5, Carey was thrilled to see the alteration.

“Unbelievable elation,” Carey said describing how he felt when he heard the news. “I’ve been waiting to hear the word ‘green’ for a long time.”

- by Jon Sauber

‘It’s a learning experience.’ How Centre County businesses are reopening in the green phase

The “green phase” of Gov. Tom Wolf’s reopening plan is far from a return to “normal,” but as Centre County residents found out Friday, businesses that have been closed since March have sprung back to life, ready to provide services while protecting patrons against COVID-19.

During Centre County’s three weeks in the yellow phase, “closed” signs could be found on many businesses throughout the region, while food from restaurants was limited to takeout or delivery. Starting Friday, most businesses in Centre County can now open their doors, provided they follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the state Department of Health.

Restaurants, bars taking ‘as many precautions as we can’

A few days ago, like most restaurants around the county, State College’s Mad Mex sat virtually empty.

Sure, takeout was still available. And, yes, a handful of salaried employees were on-hand at the Pugh Street location. But that was in stark contrast to the buzzing Mexican restaurant and bar Friday afternoon, the first day of Centre County entering the “green phase.”

College students chatted outside while keeping their distance, masked servers took down lunch orders, and a hostess in a dark-blue mask stood outside to make sure customers entered knowing what to expect. (Customers were required to wear masks unless seated at their tables.)

“We’re trying to take as many precautions as we can,” said Molly Wisniewski, a regional Mad Mex manager that works out of Happy Valley. “I’d say the overall consensus is that we’re excited, we’re ready for this, and we want to see it done well.”

- by Josh Moyer

Gyms ready to welcome back trainers, members

One of many gyms forced to close due to the coronavirus, Elite Edge Athletics, will finally reopen its doors Monday.

John Kmiecinski, owner of the Bellefonte gym, has been preparing the facility — located at 3013 Benner Pike — for weeks in anticipation that Centre County would move into the green phase of reopening.

With an 80% drop in revenue, he said he can’t wait to welcome back gym trainers and members. But with safety being the top priority, Kmiecinski said he’s taken several precautions to make sure everyone stays healthy while exercising.

- by Marley Parish

Salons get creative

There are some certainties that come along with personal care services reopening after a two-month hiatus, like a backlog of hundreds of unkempt customers.

Another is that clients will be wearing masks during the duration of their visits, which is required under Wolf’s plan. But therein lies an uncertainty. How do you trim the hair around the ears?

“I think it’s just gonna have to be trial and error,” Emily Johnson, owner of the Gentleman’s Salon in State College, said. “... We’re just gonna have to wait and see. We might have to get creative.”

- by Bret Pallotto

Theaters return at lower capacity

Entertainment venues — theaters, casinos, shopping malls — have a green light in the green phase, but must open at 50% capacity.

For the Rowland Theatre, a single screen theater in Philipsburg that can seat more than 1,000 people, that won’t be a problem.

“Social distancing is extremely doable at the theater,” said Rebecca Inlow, who is a member of the theater’s board of directors. “It makes us a little different from other multiplex movie theaters and makes it easier for the reopening.”

- by Megan Swift

Business/reopening updates

• Weis Markets has extended its operating hours by one hour in the evenings, and will now be open 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Sunday hours are 7 a.m.-8 p.m. The designated shopping hour for seniors and those with compromised immune systems remains 6-7 a.m. Tuesdays. Availability of Weis 2 Go Online Pickup or Delivery availability has also been extended from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Service delis have also reopened, with social distancing markers and signage, and the pharmacy has resumed its immunization program with additional safety precautions.
• The Centre County Library and Historical Museum’s Bookmobile will return to its regular weekly schedule with limited services starting Monday. Visitors are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing while waiting to enter. There will be a limit of one family/person in the vehicle at a time. The Bookmobile will be open for dropping off or picking up requested items only; browsing the shelves is not permitted. No fines or fees are being charged.

• Planet Fitness State College is reopening Saturday. In addition to the cleanliness and sanitation standards the gym has already had in place, employees will receive daily temperature checks and have undergone extensive cleaning and sanitizing training. There will be increased sanitation stations and some pieces of equipment will be off limits to promote social distancing.

Sports

Recreation

Clubs and activities

Government

Health care

• Mount Nittany Medical Center is expanding its emergency services by offering 24-hour on-demand care via telehealth visits with a physician. For more information or to set up a visit, go to mountnittany.org/virtualER.

Election

• The Pennsylvania Department of State is offering accessible write-in ballots to voters with disabilities upon request. “These ballots will allow blind and low-vision voters to vote privately and independently in Tuesday’s primary,” Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar said in a statement. “We are committed to increasing accessibility for voters with disabilities and implementing a long-term solution for accessible ballots for the November election and beyond.” To receive an accessible write-in ballot, voters must: have applied for absentee or mail-in ballot by the Tuesday deadline and have not submitted their ballot; request the ballot by 8 p.m. Friday by email at ra-awib@pa.gov and include their full name, birth date and address; and complete an accessible declaration sent to them electronically. Voters will receive a ballot, instructions and other materials via email. Voters can fill out the ballot in their homes using screen reader software and then print out their ballot and return it to the county elections office. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Tuesday, and a postmark is not sufficient.

Penn State

• As Centre County prepares to move into the green phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s reopening plan, Penn State is reminding people that social distancing guidelines still apply on campus. Face masks must be worn when inside or when close to other people, the university said in a release. Social distancing of a least 6 feet is also required between people who are not from the same household. “Our campuses and local communities have done an extraordinary job of reducing the spread of the coronavirus,” Penn State President Eric Barron said. “But we must remain vigilant. The shift to a green phase signals that a county has made good progress in its efforts to minimize the spread of the virus, but it is not a green light to stop employing those safety measures, as the impacts from this pandemic are far from over.” Large gatherings are still discouraged, including at Penn State landmarks such as the Nittany Lion shrine and “We Are” statue

Pennsylvania news

Community feedback

• A survey is asking State College businesses about their needs during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery. The responses will guide the borough and Redevelopment Authority as they develop programs to help local businesses. The survey will close at 11:59 p.m. June 7 and can be found here. It was originally set to close Sunday.
• Penn State has teamed up with local leaders for the Centre County COVID-19 Data 4 Action Project (Data 4 Action). The first initiative of the project is an anonymous survey, which will document how the pandemic is impacting Centre County residents’ lives and their experiences they as return to work and school. The survey launched Monday at Data4Action.psu.edu and can also be taken by phone from noon-7 p.m. Monday-Friday at 753-4799. All adult Centre County residents are asked to complete the survey by June 12. For every 100 individuals who complete the survey, Penn State will make a $100 donation to the Centre County Food Pantries (serving residents throughout the county) and will donate up to $10,000.

Community outreach/appreciation

• The Centre County United Way’s Hamer Foundation Community Disaster Fund will provide financial assistance to county residents who are struggling due to COVID-19. Those in need must contact Centre Helps to be eligible for help from the fund. Centre Helps will decide whether to apply for funding on that person’s behalf or refer him or her to an organization that will seek out all available support before applying for funds. Requests for funding, which will be $150,000 in the first phase, can be for items such as rent, mortgage payments, food, utility bills, medication costs and child care. Nonprofits interesting in applying on behalf of a client can find out more at www.ccunitedway.org/hamer-foundation-community-disaster-fund.

Things to do

• The third annual Central PA Theatre & Dance Fest will go virtual this year, June 19-21, with a weeklong series of events leading up to the three-day festival. For more information, visit Centralpatheatre.com.

• In a project called “Tying Us Together,” Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts organizers are calling for people to make friendship bracelets between now and July, sharing some with their friends and donating the remainder to the festival. Festival organizers will sell them at local retailers to support this year’s virtual Arts Festival, according to a news release.

A limited number of kits of embroidery floss and instructions are available at:

• Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, 403 S. Allen St., Suite 205A, State College
• The Makery, 209 W. Calder Way, State College
• State College Framing Company & Gallery, 160 Rolling Ridge Drive, State College
• Art a la Carte, 107 S. Allegheny St., Bellefonte

For more information, visit https://arts-festival.com/2020/05/tying-us-together/.

• Ridgelines Language Arts is launching a new program, “Being Heard Poetry Pen Pals,” to replace its in-person programs at Centre Crest. Volunteer pen pals will be matched with a Centre Crest resident who has signed up for the program and pen pals will exchange regular notes and share favorite poems. To get involved or learn more, email RidgelinesLanguageArts@gmail.com

• The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Penn State moved its program online during the pandemic. The group offers courses, trips and activities for those 50 and older. OLLI’s summer course catalog is available online and registration begins June 1. The summer semester begins June 15.

Free meal options

This story was originally published May 30, 2020 at 8:00 AM.