We Rebuild

Reopening updates: Centre County adds 2 new cases of COVID-19, and other updates for June 13

CDT staff reports

Updated June 13, 2020 12:21 PM

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 2 new cases of COVID-19

Centre County reported two new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, according to the state Department of Health, bringing the county’s total to 167 since the first positive case was reported on March 20.

This increase comes on the heels of Centre County’s largest single-day case total in more than a month on Friday, when the county reported seven new cases. None of the county’s case increases in the past two days are associated with long-term care facilities, according to the DOH data.

Pennsylvania added 463 new cases, bringing its total up to 78,462. Statewide, the DOH estimates a 74% recovery rate.

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

16823 (Bellefonte, Milesburg and Pleasant Gap): 41
16801 (State College): 35
16803 (State College): 35
16827 (Boalsburg): 9
16870 (Port Matilda): 9
16686 (Tyrone): 7
16822 (Beech Creek): 5
16666, 16828, 16841, 16844, 16845, 16852, 16860, 16865, 16866, 16872, 16875: 1-4 cases each (The state does not give specific numbers when there are fewer than five cases to protect patient privacy.)

The state reported 49 new deaths, bring its total to 6,211. The DO continues t report seven COVID-19 deaths in Centre County.

- by Lauren Muthler

Return-to-campus survey results show complexities involved in Penn State’s fall semester decision

While 86% of University Park students polled in a recent survey said they’re somewhat or very likely to return to Penn State — either in person or online — 14% of faculty reported being unwilling to return to face-to-face teaching under any circumstances and 26% were unwilling to return to face-to-face office hours.

With Penn State expected to make a decision on its fall semester by Monday, the results of the two university-issued surveys — one sent to a random sample of 16,864 students and the other to all 27,699 faculty and staff — published Friday provide a window into the complexities university leaders are navigating in reaching that decision.

The survey results are under review by university leadership and the coronavirus task force groups that are formulating plans for the fall semester.

- by Lauren Muthler

State College Spikes’ season ‘delayed indefinitely’ by COVID-19 pandemic

The State College Spikes will have to wait a bit longer to take the field for their 15th season.

The New York-Penn League announced Friday that the start of the season will be “delayed indefinitely” due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league was scheduled to open Thursday, with the Spikes set to host the Williamsport Crosscutters.

“The league and its clubs will continue to monitor the situation and work with our Major League Baseball affiliates, while following the recommendations of public health officials and adhering to local reopening guidelines,” the NY-PL said in a statement. “As always, the health and safety of the New York-Penn League fans, players and staff members are our top priorities.”

- by Matt Hymowitz

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 garage 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.

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Sports/recreation