Coronavirus update: Fauci addresses Swarthmore grads; Pa. reports 730 new cases

• By WHYY and WITF staff reports

As of Sunday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has reported 71,563 COVID-19 cases (including confirmed and probable cases) since the start of the pandemic, with 730 new cases reported on Saturday.

Pennsylvania’s death toll stands at 5,136, with just 28 new deaths reported on Saturday.

Fauci speaks at virtual Swarthmore commencement

Dr. Anthony Fauci — who has become the face of the country’s COVID-19 response as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases — took a short break to serve as special guest speaker at the virtual 2020 commencement ceremony for Swarthmore College graduates.

“With Swarthmore’s legacy of social responsibility and community and your reputation for innovation, I have no doubt that you will be helping to lead the way,” he said in his two-minute address.

The message hit on some of the classic, future-oriented graduation themes. Still, Fauci addressed the fact students were wrapping up their time as undergraduates during an unprecedented public health crisis.

His message was a simple one: please hang in there.

The graduates, he said, will help the country “come out from under the shadow of this pandemic,” whether they go into medical research or are simply caring members of society.

“We need your talent, your energy, your resolve and your character to get through this difficult time,” he said.

No fishing license? No problem on Fish for Free Days

Pennsylvania officials have asked residents to avoid going down the shore this weekend. For the most part, residents seem to be taking the advice, whether voluntarily — or thanks to fickle weather and a ban on short-term rentals in some beach towns.

Still, Pennsylvanians have some alternatives.

People looking to get into some open natural space can try fishing for a day without committing to buying an annual fishing license for $22.90 — other regulations still apply.

Pennsylvania’s Fish For Free Days are slated for today, May 24, and again on July 4.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission still requires anglers to follow COVID-19 social distancing guidelines.

Trails in state parks are also free and open to the public, though bathroom facilities may not be. Residents can go online to check the status of their local state park.

And for more ideas for a fun, safe holiday weekend, check out this guide to beautiful public art on view from WHYY’s PlanPhilly, and this handy piece on the relative risks of warm weather activities from NPR.

No viral videos of crowded beaches in N.J. or Del.

While videos of Ocean City, Maryland’s boardwalk packed with people on Saturday have gone viral online, the Memorial Day weekend in New Jersey and Delaware beaches has gotten off to a quieter start. (And even the Ocean City crowds appeared to lessen on Sunday with cooler, grey weather.)

Leading into the weekend, state officials emphasized the need for residents to wear masks and follow social distancing measures.

On Friday, Rehoboth Beach saw the weekend launch with a sputter, as the skies remained overcast and ready to pour throughout the day.

Thunderstorms early Saturday morning left the sand wet well into the afternoon at the Wildwoods, though modest crowds spread across five miles of beaches once the sun came out full blast.

By Sunday, even New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy went for a stroll down the shore. He Tweeted a selfie with his wife on the Seaside Heights boardwalk after they went on a morning run.

“Lots of folks wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and responsibly enjoying our beautiful Shore this MDW,” he said.