Reopening updates: Centre County adds 11 new COVID-19 cases, largest single-day total since April

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.

Missing the movies? Pop-up drive-in coming to Bellefonte this weekend

A new pop-up event developed by Bellefonte business owner Kevin Lloyd aims to fill a void in weekend events during the pandemic while also helping those in the community facing food insecurity.

This weekend, Bellefonte will host its first ever drive-in movie screening at the Armory grounds, located at 1018-B Zion Road, across from the high school. A screening of “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” will begin at dusk — around 9:15 p.m. — Friday and Saturday. Gates will open at 6 p.m., and the cost is $10 per vehicle; only 100 cars will be permitted.

All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the YMCA’s anti-hunger program, Lloyd, co-owner and product manager of Big Spring Spirits, said.

- by Marley Parish

Centre County adds 11 new COVID-19 cases

Centre County added 11 new cases of COVID-19, the state Department of Health reported Tuesday. If those numbers hold, it would be the county’s largest single-day total since April 7. Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine has said in the past that there often are large case increases on Tuesdays because test results received over the weekend are reported to the state on Mondays.

Centre County has had a total of 195 cases of COVID-19 since March 20. Fourteen of those cases are probable, while 181 are confirmed, according to DOH.

The state frequently adjusts case data as it investigates results and finds that a patient may live in a different county than where he or she was initially reported to reside. Last Tuesday, the state reported six new Centre County cases of COVID-19 but removed five of them the next day.

There were 510 new cases statewide Tuesday, bringing the total to 82,696. Across Pennsylvania, 78% of patients have recovered, DOH estimates.

The state reported 6,464 deaths, an increase of 38 new deaths. DOH continues to list six Centre County deaths.

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

• 16823 (Bellefonte, Milesburg and Pleasant Gap): 42
• 16801 (State College): 40

• 16803 (State College): 39 (one new case)

• 16827 (Boalsburg): 12 (one new case)
• 16870 (Port Matilda): 9
• 16686 (Tyrone): 7
• 16822 (Beech Creek): 6
• 16841 (Howard): 6 (one new case)
• 16666, 16820 (at least one new case), 16828, 16829 (at least one new case), 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.)

- by Matt Hymowitz

Mandatory masking, COVID-19 testing: Penn State provides more details about fall semester

Penn State’s decision to resume in-person classes was a relief to some, but the upcoming semester is sure to look different as officials announced a series of initiatives to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases this fall.

Following last week’s announcement, the university received thousands of questions from faculty about its reopening plan, with the vast majority pertaining to masking and enforcing health guidelines. During virtual town halls held Monday, Penn State administrators said the safety of students, staff and the greater community are the university’s main priority.

“It’s important to stress that while we are all enthusiastic about our collective return to campus, how the pandemic continues to unfold across our commonwealth will be greatly impacted by the actions of each and every member of the community in adhering to public health guidelines,” Penn State President Eric Barron said.

- by Marley Parish

Penn State’s Nittany Lion Inn to be repurposed as isolation space during COVID-19 pandemic

Penn State students are slated to return for in-person classes this fall, but the Nittany Lion Inn will remain closed, as its 223 rooms will be used as isolation spaces for those who might contract the coronavirus.

Penn State announced the inn’s continued closure during a virtual town hall held Monday. Penn State President Eric Barron said the decision will affect the jobs of 79 inn employees, and while the university is considering alternative work for displaced staff, he said some staff members will be laid off.

The inn has been closed since March, but employees received their full salary through May 3. Employees who could not work remotely received 50% of their salaries and benefits based on pay, Barron said. Employees will continue to receive half of their pay and benefits through July 31.

- by Marley Parish

Campus check-in

• LSU has begun asking a number of football players to self-quarantine in the past week because of instances in which some players tested positive for COVID-19 after social interactions outside of the Tigers’ training facility. “This is what we anticipated. We planned for this. Our plan is working the way it should,” Senior Associate Athletic Director of Health and Wellness Shelly Mullenix told The Associated Press on Saturday, adding that none of the players have exhibited “significant” symptoms.
• Maine’s Bowdoin College and UMass Boston are canceling their fall sports schedules due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both schools compete in Division III.

Community feedback

Community outreach/appreciation

Recreation

Things to do

Free food options

This story was originally published June 23, 2020 at 10:38 AM.