Reopening updates: Centre County reports 2 new cases of COVID-19 and 1 death, per the DOH

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.

DOH reports 2 new cases, 1 death in Centre County

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported two new cases of COVID-19 and one new death in Centre County on Saturday. The new cases bring the county’s total to 200 since March 20. There have now been seven COVID-19-related deaths in Centre County, according to the DOH.

Centre County deputy coroner Scott Rawson could neither confirm nor deny the seventh death at about 1:30 p.m. Saturday, saying his office had not received any pages in the past 49 hours. The deaths attributed to long-term care facilities in Centre County remain at six, according to the DOH.

Of Centre County’s 200 total cases, the DOH says 186 are confirmed and 14 probable. Pennsylvania added 621 new cases, bringing the statewide total to 84,991. The state estimates 78% of patients have recovered. The state calculates recoveries based on whether a case has not been recorded as a death and is more than 30 days past the date of their first positive test or onset of symptoms.

There were 24 new deaths reported across the state, for a total of 6,603.

ZIP code data did not update Saturday.

- by Lauren Muthler

Centre Hall’s townwide yard sale not stopped by COVID-19

Hundreds of people gathered in Centre Hall this weekend for the community’s annual townwide yard sale on Friday-Saturday.

The sale is put on each year by community residents, independent of any oversight by the borough or surrounding townships.

Anyone who attends, either to buy, sell or patronize the food trucks, is asked by yard sale organizers on the event’s Facebook page to abide by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state COVID-19 guidelines. Those guidelines include wearing masks and gloves, and keeping 6 feet of distance between others. Bringing hand sanitizer is also encouraged.

More information, including a map of the sale sites, food and bathroom locations, can be found on the event’s Facebook page.

- From CDT staff reports

State College announced that free borough parking is coming to an end. Here’s what you should know

State College’s free parking at garages, lots and meters is finally coming to an end.

The borough, which made such parking free in March in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Friday that normal parking operations will once again resume Aug. 3. That means on-street parking and the garages on Beaver Avenue, Fraser Street and Pugh Street will all resume charging at that time.

The move was long expected, especially with Penn State students set to officially arrive for the fall semester Aug. 21.

- by Josh Moyer

Pennsylvania news

• The state Department of Transportation on Thursday announced another extension on expiration dates for driver’s licenses, photo ID cards and learner’s permits in response to COVID-19 mitigation efforts. Licenses, ID cards and permits scheduled to expire from March 16 through July 31 have been extended until July 31. This extension also applies to camera cards. Vehicle registrations, safety and emissions inspections, and parking placards for those with disabilities that were previously extended until June 30 will not be extended again.
• Gov. Tom Wolf issued a reminder Friday that masks are required when entering businesses in the state. Businesses received guidance this week on the issue. The state says all workers and customers must wear a mask, unless they have a medical reason or are younger than 2. Workers or customers who try to enter a business without a mask should be asked to leave and return with one (a fabric mask is acceptable). Businesses are encouraged to find masks and other protective equipment for their workers and to use an online directory of manufacturers and suppliers if necessary. Masks should cover the nose and mouth and should not be removed while talking to someone, and fabric masks should be washed and fully dried between uses, the state said.

• The Pennsylvania departments of Health and Human Services issued updated guidance Saturday for a safe return to activities, visitation and other events at long-term care facilities. In order to lift the restrictions at LTCFs, the departments of Health and of Human Services are requiring several prerequisites to be met before proceeding into the official three-step reopening process. Those prerequisites include the development of an implementation plan that details how the reopening and visitation guidelines will be met, administration of tests within 24 hours of a resident exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, a visitation scheduling plan, an isolation plan for COVID-19-positive residents, adequate staffing and PPE, among other requirements.

Community feedback

Community outreach/appreciation

Business

Recreation

• Centre Region Parks and Recreation will make announcements about pool capacity using the Remind app. The pools, which open Saturday, will operate at 50% capacity due to COVID-19. Alerts will be sent out when the pools reach 50% capacity. The Welch pool complex will meet COVID-19 capacity at 350 people, while the Park Forest pool complex will max out at 175. Weather delays or closings will also be announced through the app. Residents can also sign up at remind.com/join/poolcap.

Things to do

Free food options

This story was originally published June 27, 2020 at 10:23 AM.