Reopening updates: Here’s what to know in Centre County on Aug. 18
We’re keeping track of the most up-to-date coronavirus news as Penn State and local schools prepare to reopen. Check back for updates.
Patton Township is considering a masking ordinance. What to know before risking a $300 fine
Those ignoring masking and social distancing guidelines could face steep fines as the Patton Township Board of Supervisors considers a temporary ordinance that would enforce health and safety restrictions within the community.
Much like the ordinance recently passed by the State College Borough Council, this would require a mask when in public, forbid long lines and cap gatherings in residences at 10 people. Those not following the ordinance could face a $300 fine from township police, health officials or other enforcement officers.
The drafted ordinance also resembles and reinforces the July order from Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine that expanded masking guidelines.
- by Marley Parish
Masks to be worn at all times in school, state says
Amid questions over mask-wearing requirements in schools, Gov. Tom Wolf’s administration is trying to make it clear that masks are to be worn practically at all times by students in school, drawing complaints that school leaders must again change their preparations.
The administration this week released additional guidance that Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said Tuesday clarifies the state’s intentions for mask-wearing in schools as they prepare to reopen in the coming days and weeks.
- The Associated Press
Centre County adds 6 cases of COVID-19, while Pennsylvania has 735 new positives
Centre County on Tuesday added six new cases of COVID-19, according to the state Department of Health.
The county has reported 399 cases since March 20; 359 cases are confirmed and 40 are probable, according to the DOH. There have been 40 cases reported since Aug. 5.
Centre County has had 10,830 negative tests, while the Keystone State has reported 1.35 million negative tests and an estimated 79% recovery rate.
- by Bret Pallotto
Following a marathon meeting, State College votes down proposed reopening changes
After a marathon meeting with more than six hours of discussion and dozens offering public comment, the State College Area School District will stick with its initial reopening model — voting down two proposed changes to its health and safety plan.
More than 700 people attended Monday’s virtual meeting of the SCASD board of directors, who met to discuss updated reopening guidance from the state and two suggestions for its return to school plan: A proposed total virtual reopening or a two-week test of in-person classes to be followed by remote learning as the district evaluates the prevalence of COVID-19 in the community.
- by Marley Parish
Penn State’s Sandy Barbour: It is ‘unclear’ whether Big Ten took a vote on postponing football season
Much of the criticism Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren and the conference’s university presidents and athletic directors have received in the week following the decision to postpone the fall 2020 college football season has been regarding a lack of clarity about how and why that conclusion was reached.
Penn State Athletic Director Sandy Barbour didn’t help matters Monday when she spoke to reporters on a Zoom conference call. Barbour, who said she was not on the Aug. 11 Zoom meeting where the university presidents and chancellors decided the Big Ten would cancel fall football, said she doesn’t know whether a formal vote took place.
- by Parth Upadhyaya
Penn State AD Sandy Barbour doesn’t see Big Ten reversing its decision, looks ahead to spring
Since the Big Ten’s decision last Tuesday to postpone the fall 2020 college football season, players and players’ parents at Penn State — like at other programs across the Big Ten — have pushed back.
The Penn State Football Parents Association published a letter Saturday demanding the Big Ten reinstate the fall 2020 football schedule “as presented on Aug. 5.” And on Sunday, a #WeWantToPlay petition started by Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields gained support on social media from Penn State tight end Pat Freiermuth and other notable players in the conference. The petition also requested that the Big Ten reinstate its fall schedule.
But during a Zoom conference call Monday, Penn State Athletic Director Sandy Barbour shut down almost any hope of the conference reversing its decision. She did, however, provide an optimistic outlook on the chances of a spring season.
- by Parth Upadhyaya
Pennsylvania opting in to Trump’s $300-a-week jobless pay
Pennsylvania will ask the federal government for a new round of $300 in weekly unemployment benefits under a presidential order tapping into disaster relief aid, Gov. Tom Wolf’s labor and industry secretary said Tuesday.
Labor and Industry Secretary Jerry Oleksiak told reporters the Wolf administration would prefer the U.S. Congress extend the $600-a-week unemployment supplement that expired last month, but will pursue the smaller payments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
- The Associated Press
State prisons to implement modified virtual visits Sept. 1
The Pennsylvania prison system is rolling out modified video visiting procedures designed to make it simpler to schedule the online meetings between inmates and their families and others.
The Corrections Department plans to let people who are already on inmate visiting lists start scheduling future virtual visits as of Wednesday.
- The Associated Press
Campus check-in
- North Carolina coach Mack Brown said he remains “confident” that the Tar Heels will play football this season after the school shut down in-person undergraduate classes.
- The Southeastern Conference will prohibit “suite hopping” as part of COVID-19 guidelines designed for fan safety and health in preparation for conference-only play this season.
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This story was originally published August 18, 2020 at 1:24 PM.