Reopening updates: Pennsylvania adds almost 1,000 COVID-19 cases, with 2 in Centre County
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 reports 2 new cases of COVID-19; state adds almost 1,000 new cases
Pennsylvania reported its highest one-day increase in COVID-19 cases in two months, while Centre County added two new cases on Tuesday.
The county’s total stands at 230, according to the Department of Health. The county has reported 29 cases in July; there were just three new cases in the county during the same seven-day period in June.
Statewide, DOH reported 995 new cases, which brings the state’s total to 91,299. Tuesday’s total marks the highest one-day increase since May 10. Almost half of the new cases were reported in Allegheny and Philadelphia counties. Cases increased by 204 in Allegheny and 288 in Philadelphia. However, DOH said, the Philadelphia cases accumulated over several weeks because of a lag in reporting from the city’s Department of Health.
The state DOH warned doctors over the weekend about changing demographics of COVID-19 patients. There have been “significant increases” in COVID-19 cases among younger people, especially 19- to 24-year-olds, DOH said Tuesday.. Every region in the state — except the one that includes Centre County — has seen cases jump in this age group between April and July. There are more cases among 19- to 24-year-olds, DOH said, than in those 50 and older.
The state continues to list eight Centre County deaths, with the most recent one reported Monday. Only six of the deaths have been confirmed by the coroner’s office. There were 33 new deaths statewide, bringing the total to 6,787.
In Centre County, here’s the breakdown by ZIP code (those without cases are not listed):
- 16801 (State College): 51
16823 (Bellefonte, Milesburg and Pleasant Gap): 47
16803 (State College): 41
16827 (Boalsburg): 12
16822 (Beech Creek): 11
16870 (Port Matilda): 9
- 16841 (Howard): 9
16875 (Spring Mills): 8
16686 (Tyrone): 7
- 16828 (Centre Hall): 6
16666, 16820, 16829, 16844, 16845, 16852, 16860, 16865, 16866, 16872: 1-4 cases each (The state does not give specific numbers when there are fewer than five cases to protect patient privacy. The state does not identify exactly where a case occurred in a ZIP code that spans multiple counties.)
- by Matt Hymowitz
Bellefonte Borough, Centre County commissioners approve resolutions to endorse mandatory masking
Councilwoman Deborah Cleeton said she’s noticed relaxed COVID-19 mitigation efforts in downtown Bellefonte, but she hopes that will change following unanimous approval of a resolution that endorses mandatory masking.
The Bellefonte Borough Council approved its resolution Monday and the Centre County board of commissioners approved a similar resolution, which had been introduced last week, on Tuesday. Both resolutions aim to slow the spread of the coronavirus, a disease that is transmitted through respiratory droplets.
The decisions follow last week’s expansion of the Pennsylvania business safety order from Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine and Gov. Tom Wolf, which requires masks be worn when leaving home.
- by Marley Parish
Help for child care providers, arts groups
The administration of Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday announced additional federal money for child care providers and arts organizations that have been impacted by the pandemic.
Child care providers are getting an additional $53 million from Pennsylvania’s share of the federal coronavirus relief package. The money will be distributed this month.
The Wolf administration also said that more than 300 nonprofit arts organizations in Pennsylvania will get a total of $2.3 million in grant money from the federal coronavirus relief package. The National Endowment for the Arts sent $1.8 million to 36 arts organizations, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts distributed the remaining $527,000 to 273 organizations.
In Centre County, The State Theatre and Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts each received a $1,930 grant from the arts council. The Millbrook Playhouse in Clinton County also received a grant.
- staff and AP reports
Campus check-in
- Oklahoma and Texas officials are cautiously optimistic that their annual football showdown still will be played at the Cotton Bowl in the Fair Park in Dallas, despite the announcement Tuesday that the fair would be canceled. Oklahoma-Texas is one of the longest-running and most intense rivalries in college football. This year’s game is scheduled for Oct. 10.
Two members of Louisville’s men’s basketball program have tested positive for COVID-19 and the team has suspended voluntary activities for two weeks.
- Fordham’s football game against Hawaii on Sept. 12 has been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Rams have now canceled their first three games. A school spokesman said Fordham will announce later this week whether the entire fall season will be canceled or potentially moved to the spring.
Community outreach/appreciation
Things to do
Free food options
This story was originally published July 7, 2020 at 9:42 AM.