State College Mayor: Support the small business community as Centre County enters ‘green phase’

Now that Centre County is moving into the “green phase” of our reopening process, I write to thank the citizens of State College and the Centre Region for their outstanding behavior during the pandemic.

The overwhelming majority of you have put the health and safety of yourselves and your families first. As a result, our medical professionals and our hospital have been able to handle the crisis without being overwhelmed. This has helped our region to escape, so far, the worst impact of COVID-19, although tragically we have lost some members of our community. Their loved ones and friends suffer the same sorrow as those who have died in the hardest hit cities.

Now I would like to ask you to serve our town in another way. Our small business community also performed admirably in following the governor’s orders at great cost. Now that we are in the green phase of our reopening, many of our small businesses have reopened or will. If you can, please go out, in a careful and safe manner, and patronize local businesses. They will be open under strict, and costly, requirements from the state, and it is in their interest to comply. I am confident that they will. Sanitary and safety requirements are rigorous. If you see conditions in a business that you feel are unsafe, please alert the Borough’s Ordinance Enforcement Office and our enforcement officers will follow up.

A thriving small business community is a critical ingredient for a healthy and happy town and region. Our diverse and bustling downtown is a draw for locals and visitors alike. Of course, you must make the decision to shop depending upon your own circumstances and based on your own good judgment. The elderly and those with underlying health conditions should be especially careful. Takeout, delivery and curbside service will still be options. Wearing masks is imperative, as is social distancing. The virus is still very dangerous and will be with us for a long time.

The green phase is not a return to the old normal. We are still a long way from that. But as we adjust to the new normal, whatever that will be, we will want our friends in the business community to be with us along the way.

Please stay safe.