Reopening updates: Centre County reports no new cases of COVID-19 for 2nd straight day

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.

How the ‘green phase’ changed graduation plans for this Centre County school district

Following a surprise announcement last week, Bald Eagle Area School District seniors will graduate during an in-person ceremony.

With initial plans for a parade-style procession, the district changed its commencement arrangements, following Centre County’s “green phase” reopening status. During the seniors’ all-night celebration last week, BEA announced that an in-person ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday at Alumni Stadium.

BEA Superintendent Scott Graham said the district will enforce social distancing guidelines, and masks will be required to enter the stadium.

- by Marley Parish

Conklin trails in Pa. auditor general primary; Centre County continues to count mail-in ballots

The polls have closed, but Centre County residents will have to wait for complete totals as officials on Wednesday began to tally over 19,000 mail-in ballots cast in Pennsylvania’s primary election.

Rescheduled due to COVID-19, Tuesday’s primary marked the first election where voters could vote by mail in Pennsylvania without needing to qualify for an absentee ballot.

The county elections office sent out 22,070 absentee and mail-in ballots and received 19,114 back from voters. According to county data updated Tuesday, 13,678 Democrats voted by mail, and 5,436 Republicans cast their vote by mail. Out of 89,121 registered eligible Centre County voters, 13,487 ballots were cast in-person on Tuesday.

- by Marley Parish

Centre County reports no new cases of COVID-19 for 2nd straight day

For the second straight day, Centre County added no new cases of COVID-19 — the disease caused by the coronavirus — as the county’s total cases remained steady at 154 overall, according to the state Department of Health.

Statewide, there are now 73,405 total cases of the coronavirus in Pennsylvania, meaning 511 cases are new. That marks the 24th 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 68% of those who tested positive have recovered in the commonwealth.

Locally, every county surrounding Centre County now has at least 42 confirmed cases of the coronavirus. Totals from nearby counties are as follows:

• Blair County: 52 (1 death)
• Cambria County: 59 (2 deaths)
• Clearfield County: 42 (0 deaths)
• Clinton County: 60 (3 deaths)
• Huntingdon County: 232 (3 deaths)
• Juniata County: 95 (4 deaths)
• Mifflin County: 59 (1 death)
• Union County: 63 (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): 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 Wednesday, increasing by 75 to 5,742. 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 May 27, 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

Officials: Schools can reopen in-person teaching on July 1

Elementary and secondary schools inside Pennsylvania’s less restrictive reopening zones can resume teaching in person and other activities at the end of June, the Education Department said Wednesday.

The guidance issued by the department says school boards in the green and yellow zones under the stoplight-colored reopening system must first adopt health and safety procedures that meet federal and state guidelines.

The more than 300 colleges and other post-secondary institutions can restart on Friday if they have a plan to keep students and teachers safe, the agency announced.

- Associated Press

Pennsylvania counts ballots after a light-on-drama primary

Election officials worked through a mountain of still-uncounted ballots Wednesday after a Pennsylvania primary that was held amid civil unrest, a pandemic, the introduction of some new voting machines and the debut of mail-in balloting that pushed county bureaus to their limits.

The result of the highest-profile contests on the ballot were a foregone conclusion: President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden, uncontested for their parties’ nominations, won their Tuesday primaries.

With the flood of mail-in votes still being counted, The Associated Press called four races in which incumbents lost, all of them in Democratic legislative primaries. Beaten were Sen. Larry Farnese and Reps. Maria Donatucci and Roni Green of Philadelphia, and Rep. Adam Ravenstahl of Pittsburgh, brother of the former mayor.

- Associated Press

‘Happening wherever you are.’ Arts Fest reveals 2020 poster for virtual event

The traditional Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts is canceled, but COVID-19 didn’t stop the annual poster reveal.

The 54th Arts Fest will be held online from July 9-12. On Tuesday, the festival released its annual collectible poster that was designed by longtime designer Lanny Sommese and his daughter, Saige. The poster features “a simple sunrise, rising over a stylized Happy Valley landscape” — hinting at hope for better days, according to a news release.

“When we were discussing canceling this summer’s festival, we felt it was important to continue the tradition of the real festival poster,” Arts Fest Executive Director Rick Bryant said. “Instead of referencing downtown State College and the Penn State campus, the poster’s text says, ‘happening wherever you are.’”

- by Marley Parish

‘The right thing to do’: Why Centre County’s poll workers took part Tuesday in spite of COVID-19

Amy Kelchner, 62, knew working at the polls Tuesday meant an increased chance of contracting COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Her husband might’ve been even more wary.

But, in the end, she still volunteered.

“I did weigh the risk,” said Kelchner, who worked in Precinct 2 at Bellefonte Area Middle School. “But I thought somebody has to do it. And I felt it was my civic responsibility.”

About 350 poll workers like Kelchner showed up at primary polls across Centre County on Tuesday, to help host the first U.S. election during a pandemic in about a century. Although the county has experienced just 22 new cases of the coronavirus over the last two weeks, meaning the risk of infection is minimal, that doesn’t mean the risk is at zero for poll workers who might deal with hundreds of voters.

- by Josh Moyer

Transportation

The Centre Area Transportation Authority will restore additional service on several routes starting Monday. CATA is not collecting fares and is requiring riders to wear a covering over their nose and mouth. Passengers are encouraged to board buses at the rear door, if able. Beginning Monday, the HM (Nittany Mall/Toftrees), K (Cato Park), N (Martin Street/Aaron Drive), P (Tussey Mountain), R (Waupelani Drive), V (Vairo Boulevard), W (Valley Vista), XB (Bellefonte) and XG (Pleasant Gap) routes, and the Blue Loop and Red Link will operate starting at 6 a.m. daily, including Saturdays. The NV (Havershire/Martin/Vairo/Toftrees) and RP (Waupelani/downtown) routes will be discontinued. Full route and schedule information is available at catabus.com/reduced-service.

CATAGo

Starting Monday, CATAGo will offer service in Bellefonte from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. There will be no service in Pleasant Gap.

CATARide

Starting Monday, CATARide will operate from 6 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday. Service outside these hours is limited to life-sustaining treatment such as dialysis and chemotherapy. Reservations for next-day trips can be made from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. There is no service on Sundays.

CATA is asking riders who are negatively affected by service changes or have unmet transportation needs to call 238-CATA (2282) to share their concerns.

CATA is taking several safety precautions, including providing masks and face shields for frontline employees and staff, regularly cleaning and disinfecting high-touch services in vehicles and facilities, and screening employees to ensure their health.

“The No. 1 goal of CATA’s board of directors and employees is the health and safety of our customers and the general public,” Executive Director and CEO Louwana Oliva said in a news release. “We pledge to continue these efforts and to adjust as the experts release further guidance.”

• The state Department of Transportation has resumed driver’s skills tests at reopened Driver License Centers, the agency announced Tuesday. Customers whose tests were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic will receive priority in rescheduling by calling PennDOT at 717-412-5300. Other customers will be able to schedule a test in the appointment system starting June 20. Several safety modifications have been made to the test. For example, customers and accompanying drivers will be required to wear face masks during tests. In yellow phase counties, applicants will receive a basic health prescreening and will not be tested if they show COVID-19 symptoms. There will be no screening in green counties. Additionally, examiners must wear appropriate protective equipment. Resources are available at www.dmv.pa.gov.

Pennsylvania news

• Walmart and Quest Diagnostics will operate additional drive-thru COVID-19 testing sites across the state beginning Friday, the Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said Wednesday.. The sites, which include one in Clearfield, will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Registration is required one day in advance at Quest’s patient portal. The site will be available for scheduling starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday. The tests will be provided at no cost to Pennsylvanians. The Clearfield testing site is at the Walmart Supercenter parking lot, 100 Supercenter Drive. Gov. Tom Wolf also announced that the state reached its testing goal for May with more than 283,000 results reported to the Health Department. The state’s 2% testing goal was met by more than 11%.
• Dentists can again provide routine care, including cleanings, under guidance released Wednesday by the state Department of Health. Dental providers should follow protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and ensure they have an appropriate level of personal protective equipment and supplies to support their volume of patients. All patients should be screened for COVID-19 symptoms before arriving at the practice and social distancing should be maintained at the practice.
• Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday renewed the 90-day disaster declaration he signed March 6 after the state’s first COVID-19 cases. That declaration was scheduled to expire Thursday. “Pennsylvanians have done a tremendous job flattening the curve and case numbers continue to decrease,” Wolf said in a release. “Renewing the disaster declaration helps state agencies with resources and supports as we continue mitigation and recovery.”
• Amid a surge of mail-in ballots and civil unrest, Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday signed an executive order Monday to extend the deadline for receiving mail-in ballots in Allegheny, Dauphin, Delaware, Erie, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Those six counties are also included in the governor’s disaster declaration, signed in the wake of protests that have broken out nationwide in response to the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Business updates

Local government

• State College interim Mayor Ron Filippelli in his weekly update video encouraged residents to go out and patronize local stores and restaurants as a thank you for doing their part to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. He also encouraged those business to make sure they comply with the new health and safety requirements.
• 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.

Community feedback

• The State College borough and Downtown Improvement District are seeking feedback from downtown business owners about different options for temporarily improving opportunities for outdoor commerce and the pedestrian environment to better to better enable safe social distancing. The survey will close at 5 p.m. Monday.
• 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.

Health care

Mount Nittany Health reopened several outpatient lab services on Monday. Locations and hours include:

• Mount Nittany Health Penns Valley: 7:30 a.m.-noon Monday-Friday
• Mount Nittany Health Park Avenue: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
• Mount Nittany Health Blue Course Drive: 7:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Monday-Friday
• Mount Nittany Health Philipsburg: 7:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 7:30-11:45 a.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
• Mount Nittany Health Bellefonte: 7:30 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Monday and Thursday; 7:30-11:45 a.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
• Mount Nittany Medical Center: 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
• Mount Nittany Health Mifflin County: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. and in the office for emergency needs

More information on increased safety procedures can be found at mountnittany.org/open.

Sports/recreation

Nonprofits

Things to do

• 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 began Monday. The summer semester begins June 15.

• 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/.

Community outreach/appreciation

• Sheetz will end its children’s meal program Friday after serving about 600,000 free meals to children and families. The Kidz Meal Bagz program began in April to help customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Sheetz for the Kidz, an employee charity helping children, recently donated $620,000 to Feeding America. “I’m so proud of our employees who truly stepped up to make the Meal Bagz program happen, “ Sheetz President and COO Travis Sheetz said. “Their dedication to help the communities we serve made a real impact, providing over 600,000 meals to those in need.” Sheetz will continue to raise funds for Feeding America through the MySheetz app. Through June 30, for every 200 points a customer donates, Sheetz will donate $1 to the organization.

Free food options

This story was originally published June 3, 2020 at 10:26 AM.