April 2020

Public Health & Safety April 2020

April 30, 2020

  • Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirms 1 COVID-19 related deaths, 96 diagnosed cases in Centre County, and 895 negative tests of COVID-19. There are 26 positive cases and 223 negative cases in the 16801 zip code, 0 positive cases and 9 negative cases in the 16802 zip code, and 8 positive cases, and 143 negative cases in the 16803 zip code.
  • The State College Borough would like to share some additional information about renter protections that are in place. 

Protections for Renters in Pennsylvania
Click to Download: PRINTABLE Protections for Renters in Pennsylvania
Haga clic para descargar en espanol

Federal Protections for Renters
Click to Download: PRINTABLE Federal Protections for Renters
Haga clic para descargar en espanol

Protections for Homeowners in Pennsylvania
Click to Download: PRINTABLE Protections for Homeowners in Pennsylvania
Haga clic para descargar en espanol

Utility Protections and Resources

April 28, 2020

  • Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirms 1 COVID-19 related deaths, 93 diagnosed cases in Centre County, and 850 negative tests of COVID-19

Please note that the Borough of State College will only report on the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed cases.

  • On March 24, 2020 the Borough of State College announced parking changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This announcement stated that these changes were through 04/30, however, these changes have been extended indefinitely. These changes are:
    • One- and two-hour time limits in residential neighborhoods will not be enforced.
    • Payment will not be required at all Borough garages, lots, and parking meters.
    • The "No Parking 2 am to 6 am" ordinance will not be enforced until further notice.
    • Loading zones and state law violations including no parking anytime will still be enforced if they cause the disruption of service or create any type of hazard to pedestrians or vehicular traffic.
  • Mayor Filippelli Proclaims Sunday, May 3, "Bells Across Pennsylvania Day" 

State College, PA - Mayor Ronald L. Filippelli has issued a proclamation in support of "Bells Across Pennsylvania Day," an initiative of the Pennsylvania State Mayors' Association which will take place on May 3, 2020. The threefold purpose of the initiative is:

  • To recognize and honor first responders, healthcare workers, and employees of grocery stores, pharmacies and other life-sustaining businesses who have maintained essential services while at risk of infection from COVID-19;
  • To show solidarity with elected officials and residents of municipalities across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, all of whom are fighting COVID-19 on the frontlines together; and
  • To demonstrate a collective resolve that Pennsylvanians will prevail over COVID-19 and work tirelessly to ensure that their businesses and civic life will thrive once again.

The State College Borough is encouraging to hold whatever events "sheltering in place" will allow. Then at 7 pm, all Pennsylvanians and churches will be encouraged to ring bells for three minutes - one minute for each of the above purposes.

View the proclamation here (PDF). 

April 23, 2020

  • Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirms 1 COVID-19 related deaths, 76 diagnosed cases in Centre County, and 718 negative tests of COVID-19

Please note that the Borough of State College will only report on the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed cases.

  • Please note the following updates on reporting from the DOH. 

image

April 22, 2020

  • Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirms 2 COVID-19 related deaths, 76 diagnosed cases in Centre County, and 618 negative tests of COVID-19

Please note that the Borough of State College will only report on the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed cases.

  • Curbside Recycling Service to Resume on Monday, April 27

College Township - The Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority (CCRRA) has announced that curbside recycling service will resume on Monday, April 27.

As curbside recycling starts back up again, please follow the guidelines below to keep collectors and residents safe:

  • If someone in your household has been sick, is quarantined or has tested positive for COVID-19, please hold your recycling at home for one week before placing it at the curb.
  • Protect yourself, your neighbors and our community. Do not place possibly contaminated items at the curb.
  • Trash Guidelines: All trash should be bagged prior to being placed inside or next to your trash can. Bags should be tied or closed to prevent trash from falling out.
  • For State College Borough Residents Only: Bulk items should be placed at the curb for at least three days before they are collected.

CCRRA would like to thank our customers for their patience during our temporary disruption of service. We look forward to your continued cooperation and participation.

For more information on recycling in Centre County visit: www.centrecountyrecycles.org or call 814-238-7005.

 

April 21, 2020

  • Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) reports the second COVID-19 related death and 77 confirmed diagnosed cases in Centre County. 

Please note that the Borough of State College will only report on the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed cases.

  • The State College Borough has added the confirmed cases of COVID-19 by zip code map to our response hub.
  • State College Borough Council rescinded the approval of special events through June 30. Read more in this article by Statecollege.com.
  • State College Borough Council extends the payment of real estate taxes at face value from June 30 through September. Under normal circumstances, a 10% penalty is assessed on late payments after June 30, but that penalty will not be assessed on property taxes paid by September 30. Read more in this article by Statecollege.com. 
  • The Commonwealth of PA has published the "Plan for Pennsylvania". This is Governor Wolf's plan for relief, reopening, and recovery that will keep Pennsylvanians alive and repair the damage this virus has caused across Pennsylvania. View the plan here.

April 17, 2020

  • Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) reports the first COVID-19 related death in Centre County. There a no new confirmed diagnosed cases in Centre County. 

Please note that the Borough of State College will only report on the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed cases.

April 16, 2020

  • Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirms 73 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in Centre County.

Please note that the Borough of State College will only report on the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed cases.

April 15, 2020

  • Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirms 72 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in Centre County.

Please note that the Borough of State College will only report on the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed cases.

  • Parkmobile partners with Out of the Cold Centre County to help raise funds and awareness for the organization. Parkmobile sent push notifications to all users that utilized the mobile app in the past six months in State College.

Untitled12

  • Gov. Wolf: Health Secretary Signs Order Providing Worker Safety Measures to Combat COVID-19 (READ MORE HERE)*

*The State College Borough is currently reviewing this order and will be releasing additional local guidance to businesses.

April 14, 2020

  • Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) for the second day in a row confirms no new diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in Centre County.

Please note that the Borough of State College will only report on the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed cases.

  • We want to remind those that require assistance with basic needs to please utilize the Centre Helps Hotline at 800-494-2500. 

CentreHelps (3)

The first and best way to get connected with Centre Safe services is to encourage people to call their hotline and speak to a trained counselor-advocate. The hotline is available day or night; and the free, confidential number is: 877-234-5050. If you learn that it is impossible for someone to make a call without their abuser present due to the stay at home order, please remind individuals that they can also text 911 for help, especially in escalating and dangerous situations.

April 10, 2020

  • Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirms 61 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in Centre County.

Please note that the Borough of State College will only report on the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed cases.

  • Message from the State College Area School District

Please Help SCASD Families

Over the last couple of weeks, administrators, teachers, staff, and volunteers have been working hard to support students and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every day, our school district hears from families who are struggling to make ends meet, and we are helping these people in need.

While $22,000 has been contributed to the State College Area School District Education Foundation's Mental Health Awareness Fund in the past few weeks, all of it has been spent on helping families. This emergency funding has been used to cover basic needs such as utilities, groceries, and transportation to work, as well as other necessities.

In order to continue helping our families, we need your help. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Mental Health Matters Fund through the Education Foundation.

Click here to give online by selecting the Mental Health Matters Fund from the "Select Campaign" dropdown, or by mailing a check to:

SCASD Education Foundation
Mental Health Matters Fund
240 Villa Crest Drive
State College, PA 16801

Be sure to include the "Mental Health Matters Fund" in the memo line of your check.

We have been using the hashtag "It takes a village" lately, and that definitely applies here. We appreciate your support and are grateful to be able to help so many families during this difficult time.

Take care, stay safe and be healthy.

  • The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Urges Consumers to Know Their Options, Seek Out Needed Resources to Keep Utility Bills Affordable During COVID-19 Pandemic (READ MORE IN THIS RELEASE)
  • The State College Borough wants to remind the community about the CDC guidance on domestic travel 

CDC Issues Domestic Travel Advisory for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut

The CDC urges residents of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to refrain from non-essential domestic travel for 14 days effective immediately. This Domestic Travel Advisory does not apply to employees of critical infrastructure industries, including but not limited to trucking, public health professionals, financial services, and food supply. These employees of critical infrastructure, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (https://www.cisa.gov/publication/guidance-essential-critical-infrastructure-workforceexternal) have a special responsibility to maintain normal work schedule. The Governors of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut will have full discretion to implement this Domestic Travel Advisory.

04/09/2020

  • Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirms 59 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in Centre County.

Please note that the Borough of State College will only report on the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed cases.

  • The State College Area School District is offering free meals for children 18 and under. The weekly meal kits have enough food for breakfast and lunch for 5 days. To register or learn more about the program, please visit: https://www.scasd.org/freemeals. 

To facilitate service, we ask that families place a weekly order by 8 am each Monday. You are able to customize your orders and pick what suits your family's preferences. By filling out an order form you will also be guaranteed the meals. Place your orders now: Click here to fill out the form. Note: We will be closing the order form at 8 am on Monday morning.

04/08/2020

  • Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirms 57 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in Centre County.

Please note that the Borough of State College will only report on the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed cases.

Religious institutions. However, religious leaders are encouraged to find alternatives to in-person gatherings and to avoid endangering their congregants. Individuals should not gather in religious buildings or homes for services or celebrations until the stay at home order is lifted.

  • The State College Borough has launched a service dashboard to show residents what municipal services have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

IMAGE FOR SITE

Click to Launch Dashboard


04/07/2020

  • Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirms 55 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in Centre County.

Please note that the Borough of State College will only report on the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed cases.

  • Centre Region Parks and Recreation Direct, Pam Salkangas Shared the Following PSA About Park Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic,

04/06/2020

  • Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirms 44 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in Centre County.

Please note that the Borough of State College will only report on the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed cases.

  • Local Updates by Mayor Filippelli
  • Earned Income Tax (EIT) Rate Update

Act 10 of 2020, recently signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf, directs that the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) coordinate the filing extension and payment deadlines of the Local Earned Income Tax so that they coincide with State filing extensions.

INDIVIDUALS: With the enactment of Act 10 of 2020, the filing deadline for 2019 Individual Earned Income Tax Returns in Pennsylvania has been extended to July 15, 2020. This means taxpayers will have an additional 90 days to file from the original deadline of April 15.

This extension applies to both 2019 individual tax returns and payments as well as estimated payments for the 1st quarter of 2020. Additionally, all penalties and interest will be waived on 2019 earned income tax payments through the new deadline of July 15, 2020.

Some localities and collection agencies have already announced extensions for local earned income tax returns - the enactment of Act 10 now makes this universal to ALL municipalities in the Commonwealth.

EMPLOYERS: Currently, there are no extensions for Employer 1st quarter 2020 earned income tax returns or payment of the 1st quarter 2020 tax withheld from employees - that deadline remains April 30.

  • State College Police Personal Protective Equipment Usage in Response to COVID-19 

The State College Police would like to inform the public of measures we are taking to help protect both our staff and the public from potential COVID-19 exposure during police contacts. Our officers are being instructed to use personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing job functions with the public in accordance with Governor Tom Wolf's recommendations made on April 3. This additional equipment being worn will include masks and gloves.

We are also asking for the public's understanding that our officers will attempt to resolve calls that do not require immediate police contact via a phone call or through email. Officers will continue to respond to any in-progress or other call necessitating immediate police contact. Officers will attempt to maintain appropriate social distancing when practical. We will continue to serve our community 24-hours a day and are always a phone call away.

  • State College Area School District does not need a formal exemption through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to continue construction projects. Projects to be started/continued beginning this week.

School districts should use best judgment in exercising their authority to continue critical construction projects, and should not seek a formal exemption through DCED. All school district construction decisions should appropriately balance public health and safety while ensuring the continued safety of critical infrastructure. School districts and the contractors must ensure continuance of and compliance with the social distancing and other mitigation measures to protect employees and the public, including virtual and telework operations (e.g. work from home) as the primary option when available, as have been or will be established by the Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In-person work is only to be performed on the most limited basis possible. (Source: https://www.education.pa.gov/Schools/safeschools/emergencyplanning/COVID-19/Pages/AnswersToFAQs.aspx )

04/03/2020

  • Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) confirms 32 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in Centre County.

Please note that the Borough of State College will only report on the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed cases.

  • State College Launches COVID-19 Awareness and Impact Survey (Take the Survey)

The Borough is asking if you can complete the following Survey and share the Survey with your Neighbors.

It is always a top priority for us to make sure you are informed and safe. This is even more important during this pandemic. We are asking for three minutes of your time to complete this survey that will help us assess the awareness and impact of COVID-19 within the Borough of State College. Help us understand how you and your loved ones are affected. Please complete this survey and help spread the word among other residents about this opportunity to help us serve you.

  • Updates to State College Borough Bulk/Brush Collection AND Compost/Mulch Orders

Bulk/Brush Collections Requests: Borough residents' materials must be outside for 3 consecutive days. If you submit your request on Saturday or Sunday, the collection will not take place until Tuesday or Wednesday. You can request bulk/brush collection via the request tracker.

Compost/Mulch Order: Borough residents can now order compost and mulch delivery online. This program was previously suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note that residents cannot pick up at the service building, the service is delivery only.

  • Short term rentals (example: Airbnb) are not a life-sustaining business

Short term rentals of any unit, group of units, dwelling, building, or group of buildings within a single complex of buildings which is advertised or held out to the public as a place regularly rented to guests, or which is rented to guests more than three times in a calendar year for periods of less than 30 days or 1 calendar month, whichever is less, or rented through a home-share website are not authorized. This prohibition does not apply to the following:

-Hotels, motels, inns, resorts, non-transient public lodging establishments, or timeshare projects; or
-Rental stays where guests are currently staying in a vacation rental or have previously booked a stay and are scheduled to check-in no later than April 1, 2020; or
-Rentals to persons performing military, emergency, governmental, health or infrastructure response, or travelers engaged in non-vacation commercial activities.

Download the Latest FAQ for Life-Sustaining Businesses (PDF)

  • FirstEnergy COVID 19 Pennsylvania Customer Assistance Program Update

West Penn Power customers who may find themselves unable to pay their electric bills. For many customers, this may be the first time ever and will be confused on what they should do and how to interpret the information they receive and come to you for advice.

The first step is to contact the West Penn Power credit and collection department at 800-736-3404 (number shows on top of the invoice). If eligible, you will be guided to contact Dollar Energy, who administers financial aid programs for FirstEnergy. Please see this One-Page Summary (PDF) showing the various PA financial assistance programs and the income guidelines for 2020 on the bottom

Additionally, on April 2, 2020, FirstEnergy put into place new processes for Dollar Energy to evaluate residential applications eligible to receive financial assistance from the Pennsylvania Customer Assistance Program (PCAP), where household income has been impacted by COVID 19. See the chart below for these recent updates:

image001

At this time, WPP is not pursuing the termination of any services, however, "10-day notices" are being mailed out to all customers. These notices are important because customers may need proof of delinquency to qualify for some assistance programs. This notice serves as their proof document.

Please keep in mind theses financial programs are only regarding residential customers. All non-residential customers (commercial/business) should also contact WPP's credit and collection department to review options available to them.

Residential customers also can request getting set-up on an Equal Payment Plan (EPP). With EPP, customers can make consistent monthly payments to avoid seasonal highs and lows in their electric bills.

For customers with medical conditions, FirstEnergy offers a Medical Certification program. Disconnection of electric service resulting from overdue bills can be delayed up to 30 days if it is determined that the loss of electric service would be especially dangerous to the health of a permanent member of a customer's household. An appropriate health care professional must complete a Medical Certification Form describing the resident's medical condition. The Medical Certification process also can be used to restore electric service after a customer has been disconnected.

FirstEnergy also offers a program called Third-Party Notification where a relative, friend, clergy, or social service agency can be notified along with the customer if electric service is about to be disconnected. The third party is not obligated to pay the overdue bills but can help make payment arrangements for the customer who might have difficulty paying their bill.

04/02/2020

  • Pennsylvania Department of Health confirms 28 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in Centre County.

Please note that the Borough of State College will only report on the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed cases.

Centre County United Way and our 28 Partner Agencies are here to help! Not just during the COVID-19 Crisis but every day - all year long. If you need help with food, child care, transportation, rent, and many other basic needs, you can simply call 211. An operator will answer your call and provide you with the information you need to get help. You can contact 211 online by clicking HERE.

Centre Helps

If you have trouble getting though when you call 211, you can also reach out to Centre Helps. Centre Helps is a partner agency that also provides the referral information you need for help. You can visit them on their website by clicking HERE.

  • Megabus is suspending the Philadelphia-Harrisburg-State College-Pittsburgh service until April 30th. The New York-State College-Pittsburgh service has also been suspended until April 30.

04/01/2020

  • Temporary Drop Off Recycling Containers Placed in the Region

Residents are reminded that curbside recycling has been suspended by the Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority. You can find more information on the suspension here: https://www.crcog.net/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={C4CB333D-44F3-44B0-B6CB-F815C3A2EB4F}

The Centre County Recycling and Refuse Authority added temporary drop off locations throughout the Region. You can find the list of locations here: https://www.centrecountyrecycles.org/vertical/Sites/%7B19100380-CED0-47E2-8734-43A86A251C04%7D/uploads/Temporary_Roll_April_1.jpg

Residents have the option of storing their recycling on their property until curbside collection resumes or placing it in their trash in a trash grade bag.

We are not encouraging residents to leave their homes to drop off recycling.

Please be advised that if you do choose to utilize the drop off locations, you should only do so in accordance with the Governor's order (i.e. don't make a separate trip just to recycle; instead combine it with a trip to the grocery store). Residents are reminded to practice social distancing at all locations.

Please note that the Borough of State College will only report on the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed cases.

March 31, 2020

To report a noncompliant business or violation, contact the police department's non-emergency number at 814-234-7150. Please do not call 911.

  • Mount Nittany Health has a dedicated COVID-19 hotline available to the community: 814-231-7111. The COVID-19 hotline will be answered daily from 7 am to 11 pm For the most up-to-date information, visit mountnittany.org/coronavirus.
  • Pennsylvania Department of Health confirms 26 diagnosed cases of COVID-19 in Centre County. 

Please note that the Borough of State College will only report on the Pennsylvania Department of Health confirmed cases.