Reopening updates: Centre County adds 1 new COVID-19 case, other updates for June 1

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.

Penn State’s Ag Progress Days canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic

Penn State’s annual Ag Progress Days has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers announced Monday.

The exposition — which was scheduled for Aug. 11-13 — is one of many staple summer events that have been canceled due to the virus. Despite Centre County’s “green phase” status, Ag Progress Days Manager Jesse Darlington said the decision is in compliance with Gov. Tom Wolf’s order that prohibits gatherings of more than 250 people.

-by Marley Parish

Centre County adds 1 COVID-19 case

Centre County added one new case Monday of COVID-19, according to the state Health Department, bringing the county’s total to 154 since the first case was reported March 20.

There have been 72,282 cases of the new coronavirus reported as of noon Monday in Pennsylvania, an increase of 356 since noon Sunday. About 67% of patients have recovered, according to the DOH.

Monday is the 22nd consecutive day that single-day increases were below 1,000 — a decrease from the April 9 peak of 1,989 new cases.

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): 35
• 16803 (State College): 26
• 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 Monday, increasing by 12 to 5,567.

Six 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 DOH reported seven deaths for Centre County. It’s not known why a discrepancy exists, but it’s possible that a permanent Centre County resident died outside of the county.

-by Bret Pallotto

How a pair of former Lady Lions are teaming up to help youth affected by COVID-19 access education

The ties of former Penn Staters are unbreakable.

For Inspiring Minds, a nonprofit organization started by former Penn State and NFL linebacker Deryck Toles and laced with many former Penn State athletes, the goal now isn’t to face the University of Connecticut in the Final Four or be the best linebacker on the field, but to help youths become the most successful they can be.

Inspiring Minds helps under-represented youth gain educational success with after-school programs, trips and speakers. With chapters in Philadelphia, New York City, Youngstown, Ohio, and Toles’ hometown of Warren, Ohio, and a new addition opening shortly in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, they partner with schools to reach youth and build success in local communities.

-by Acacia Aster Broder

How Centre County restaurants, bars are embracing reopening — challenges and all

John Clickner, the head chef of Gigi’s Southern Table, let out a chuckle before settling on what the last two months felt like at his restaurant: “Groundhog Day.”

But with Centre County’s Friday move to the “green phase,” the least-restrictive phase of Gov. Tom Wolf’s reopening plan, Clickner finally felt as if he could turn the page on a new day. After two months of takeout, and a monotonous slog of scattered business, Clickner at last opened his State College restaurant’s doors Friday to grateful customers.

“It’s a relief,” Clickner said, taking a respite after the lunch rush. “For the last couple months we were waiting, just like, ‘What are we doing? What are we doing?’ And, finally, it’s at least like we can plan on being back to ‘normal.’”

-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

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.

Sports

Recreation

Clubs and activities

Government

• State College Borough has announced several downtown parking changes as the county enters the green phase. On-street meters will continue to be free during daytime hours, but overnight parking at meters is not permitted, as meters are designated for short-term parking. The Pugh Street, Beaver Avenue and Fraser garages, along with the Beaver and Allen lots and McAllister Deck will be no charge and allow overnight parking. The regulations will be updated as the number of vehicles in downtown State College increases.

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

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.

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

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 June 1, 2020 at 8:36 AM.