PSU president voices support for State College ordinance that fines non-mask wearers, party-throwers
Penn State President Eric Barron publicly lauded a new State College ordinance that will fine those not wearing masks in the borough along with those who throw parties involving more than 10 people.
Barron initially expressed support Monday over a draft of the ordinance. But the ordinance was officially — and unanimously — passed by the council Tuesday night, with a few amendments, and Barron again reiterated his support Wednesday.
“This is a strong ordinance and I’m very pleased that borough council has taken this solid stance in support of the health of the State College and Penn State community,” Barron said in a written statement.
Under the new ordinance, which went into effect Wednesday afternoon, visitors and residents of the borough are essentially required to wear a mask at all times while publicly indoors. When social distancing is not an option outdoors — like while standing in a line on a crowded sidewalk or boarding a bus — then masks are also required.
Likewise, gatherings at residences are now limited to just 10 people, in part to prevent parties that can act as super-spreader events. And lines outside of businesses are limited to no more than 10 people at once. (Outdoor gatherings outside of residences, like at public parks, are limited to 25.)
Violations will result in $300 fines, to be enforced by local police (and other officials).
“The safety provisions and enforcement in the borough ordinance align with the policies, procedures and enforcement mechanisms we are putting in place at Penn State,” Barron added. “We must enforce simple public health measures to help prevent the transmission of coronavirus if we are to be successful in bringing our students, faculty and staff back to our campuses this fall.”
The ordinance has been months in the making and has been long expected. The State College Borough Board of Health made recommendations to the ordinance last Friday, before the council amended and passed the ordinance Tuesday to better battle COVID-19.
As of noon Thursday, there have been 364 cases of the coronavirus in Centre County. State College has had 125 confirmed cases and 18 probable cases — 55 total cases in the 16803 ZIP code and and 88 cases in 16801.
Penn State class starts Aug. 24.
“This is a great example of town and gown coming together for the greater good and well-being of our local community,” said Zack Moore, Penn State’s vice president for Government and Community Relations. “With this ordinance, safe behavior and preventative measures are now required both on and off the University Park campus.”
The ordinance is considered temporary and will be rescinded either on Jan. 31, 2021, or when the state Department of Health and the Centre Region Council of Governments rescind their emergency declarations — whichever comes first.
This story was originally published August 6, 2020 at 12:02 PM.
