We Rebuild

Reopening updates: No new Centre County COVID-19 cases, and other updates for June 11

CDT staff reports

Updated June 12, 2020 12:38 AM

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.

Centre County adds no new cases of COVID-19

Centre County added no new cases Thursday of COVID-19, according to the state Health Department, which kept the county total since March 20 to 158 cases.

The department estimated about 72% of those infected have recovered. As of noon Thursday, there have been 77,313 cases of the new coronavirus reported in the Keystone State, an increase of 467 since noon Wednesday.

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

16823 (Bellefonte, Milesburg and Pleasant Gap): 40
16801 (State College): 35
16803 (State College): 29
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 Thursday, increasing by 51 to 6,113.

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 May 27, according to the Centre County Coroner’s Office.

The DOH continues to report 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

Centre County growers, producers see high demand for local foods amid pandemic. But what’s next?

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way local farmers and producers supplied both restaurants and consumers with fresh produce and other items this spring, with those changes carrying on into the summer months. Some of the changes have been positive, as local growers and producers find new ways to reach customer bases and further demand for their products.

“They’re all seeing a boom. They’re all seeing this high demand for local products, especially in poultry and dairy. Eggs and chicken seem to be very popular right now, beef and pork ...” Appalachian Food Works founder Travis Lesser said of the handful of farmers he speaks to on a regular basis.

Appalachian Food Works is a local nonprofit founded with a goal of connecting small and mid-size regional farms with restaurants. When the coronavirus pandemic first began and many restaurants were forced to suspend business or convert to a takeout and deliver-only business model, Appalachian Food Works was similarly forced to change its approach.

- by Holly Riddle for the CDT

Pennsylvania releases guidelines for all sports, including PIAA, NCAA, to resume play

Sports, including at the high school and college levels, are one step closer to returning in Pennsylvania.

Gov. Tom Wolf’s office released guidance on the next steps for PIAA, NCAA, professional and amateur and recreational athletics Wednesday afternoon, and it includes a return to summer practice.

“This is another step toward reopening our state and getting things back on track,” Gov. Wolf said in a press release. “As students and teammates get ready to train and compete, it’s important that they follow precautions to protect each other and their community from the risk of COVID-19.”

- by Jon Sauber

Wolf, lawmakers clash over emergency declaration

Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf and the GOP-led Legislature headed toward a legal clash Wednesday over the emergency declaration he issued at the beginning of the pandemic, with lawmakers voting to end it and Wolf insisting he holds veto power.

In largely party-line votes, the Legislature approved late Tuesday ending Wolf’s 3-month-old emergency proclamation and restarting businesses and other activities shut down as COVID-19 began tightening its grip on Pennsylvania. Retailers and many other kinds of businesses have since been permitted to reopen, but with restrictions.

Supporters of the resolution — which they asserted would do away with many, if not all, pandemic restrictions — maintained that state law authorizes the Legislature to end the emergency declaration unilaterally. Wolf believes that still requires his support and vowed Wednesday to fight the resolution in court.

House leadership also threatened legal action.

- The Associated Press

Health care

Mount Nittany Health announced Thursday that it will relocate its COVID-19 test collection site from its Blue Course Drive location to the medical center parking lot beginning Monday. “As we safely resume services throughout the health system, we continue to take steps to ensure that our patients and community have access to resources needed during this time,” said Mount Nittany Physician Group’s Christopher Hester in a release. “You can be assured that we remain here for you, focused on your health and wellness, providing care in a way that keeps everyone safe.” The drive-thru site will be open from noon to 4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays by appointment to COVID-19 symptomatic patients of Mount Nittany Physician Group, Penn State Health, or individual providers who have been directed to the site by their primary care provider.
As part of its new health and safety guidelines, Mount Nittany Health will now require all patients to undergo COVID-19 testing prior to surgery. This policy applies to any patient undergoing surgery or procedure in Mount Nittany Medical Center’s main surgical operating room, Mount Nittany Health Surgical Center and endoscopy procedures. Patients will be tested for the virus three days prior to surgery. More information on Mount Nittany’s reopening policies at mountnittany.org/open.

Penn State

Penn State announced Monday that all semester-long study abroad programs set for fall 2020 have been suspended. The decision was based on international travel advisories, potential health risk to self and others, national travel regulations and immigration support, academic and program modifications, and financial and planning issues, according to a release. Students who applied for education abroad programs will have their applications deactivated and the education abroad fee waived.
Penn State is making SAT/ACT score submissions optional for prospective students applying for admission for summer or fall 2021 semesters, the university announced Monday. “We are making this change to give Penn State applicants a choice that will ease the anxiety that many future students and families are experiencing as a result of test-taking disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Vince Timbers, interim executive director of admissions, in a release. Penn State’s application for summer/fall 2021 will be open for future undergraduate students starting Aug. 1.
Penn State’s board of trustees voted Tuesday to defer its election of officers — such as the chairman — until after the usual July meeting because of the group’s inability to meet in person due to concerns surrounding COVID-19. The officers will be determined in-person sometime before Nov. 13, on a date determined by the board’s secretary. The resolution was passed unanimously early Tuesday evening. Until the election, all incumbent officers will continue to hold office.

Municipal updates

Sports/recreation