This update provides information on the latest City activities and links to more information. For health and safety information about COVID-19 including confirmed cases and testing data, please visit Lane County Public Health or Oregon Health Authority’s websites.
Lane County continues to see large increases in new COVID-19 cases every day. The current Lane County COVID-19 alert level remains at high, meaning we must continue to be vigilant about taking measures to limit contact and modify everyday activities to reduce exposure.
Community Spread Among All Ages
Unfortunately, Lane County is experiencing multiple COVID-19 outbreaks from off-campus gatherings, private social events and workplace spread.
While a number of new cases are attributed to the 18-27 year old age group, those new cases account for 35 percent of all new cases in the past two weeks. Over 50 percent of new cases are adults over 30 years old. See testing data for Lane County online.
As of last week, there had only been a 4 percent increase in cases of 18-27 year olds over the previous two weeks. The data indicates that we are seeing widespread distribution of cases across all age groups and the percentage breakdown by age groups has remained relatively stable.
The story the data tells us is that the growth in cases we are experiencing is not isolated to one group. Therefore, the solution cannot be isolated to just one group, and shaming any group is not helpful. People who feel like they will get in trouble are less likely to cooperate with contact tracers, or in some cases to get tested and quarantine at all. The best thing each of us can do is be vigilant in focusing on our own actions and talk kindly to our family and friends about correct behavior.
We must all remain committed to adhering to public health guidance to wear a mask, keep social distance, use good hygiene and avoid gatherings.
Roll Up Your Sleeve
Getting a flu vaccine this fall can reduce your risk of getting flu and help save scarce medical resources needed to care for people with COVID-19. It’s important for everyone to do their part to stay healthy this flu season. Prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses:
- Mask Up: Cover your nose and mouth with a mask when out in public.
- Lather Up: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Sleeve Up: Roll up your sleeve to get a flu shot.
The more people vaccinated against flu, the more people protected from flu. Learn more from the CDC.
Find a flu vaccine near you: www.vaccinefinder.org
Keep Halloween Safe
Halloween is not canceled - but some traditions may look different this year to keep everyone safe.
Community members are asked to consider alternatives to trick-or-treating, which poses a high risk for transmission of COVID-19. There are plenty of other ways families can have fun while avoiding the scare of being exposed or spreading COVID-19. Check out this list below for low risk activities.
This year, it’s more important than ever to put safety first because COVID-19 cases have risen recently and holiday gatherings on Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day led to increased case counts. So, this Halloween, be extra mindful of your choices. Choosing low risk Halloween plans can help to prevent the spread of COVID-19 illness, decrease the impact on our health care system and save lives.
This season can still be spooky in a safe way.
Learn more at eugene-or.gov/4567/Holidays-and-COVID-19
Oregon Receives More Rapid Tests
Governor Kate Brown announced this week a plan to deploy a huge influx of rapid COVID-19 tests from the federal government. Oregon will be receiving 60,000 to 80,000 COVID-19 rapid tests per week until the end of the year.
“With this increased testing capacity, we hope to be able to diagnose more people quickly so they can get the care they need,” said Governor Brown. “We want to identify more cases of COVID-19 so we can also isolate and quarantine people, helping contain the virus. Testing is an excellent tool in giving us a more full picture of where the virus is hiding in our communities. Unfortunately it is not a cure-all or the solution to all of our problems. We cannot test our way out of this pandemic.”
A full transcript of Governor Brown’s remarks is available here. A recording of Governor Brown’s press conference is available here.
Practice the 4 Ws
Lane County Public Health is expecting this uptick to last for at least three to four weeks, longer if people don’t modify their behaviors. We urge you to please think about your actions over the coming weeks and make sure you’re practicing the four Ws :
1. Wear a face covering – indoor and outside when you can’t maintain 6 feet of space, it’s a statewide requirement
2. Watch your distance – stay 6-feet apart from those outside your household and limit your gathering size
3. Wash your hands – often with soap and water for 20 seconds throughout the day
4. Wait it out – stay home if you are sick
As flu shots become available this season, please utilize this public health tool. Preventing flu cases helps COVID-19 efforts in our community by decreasing the strain on our healthcare resources.
Answer the Call – Contact Tracing is Important to Stop the Spread
If you get a call or voicemail from a Public Health contact tracer, please answer or return the call. Contact tracing is critical to our community’s ability to continue limiting the spread of COVID-19. People who participate in contact tracing are actively helping to keep their community safe by helping public health officials track the virus. For more information from Lane County Public Health on contact tracing please visit their contact tracing webpage. The State of Oregon’s contact tracing web page also offers useful information and resources. COVID-19 Resources.
See a list of Community Resources for physical and mental health, food, housing, businesses, employees, schools and children, as well as information in Spanish.
Also learn how you can help. Our partners have a significant amount of information available online. Please visit these resources for the most up to date information:
McKenzie Fire (aka Holiday Farm Fire) Resources
Previous Community Update
Community Update and Wildfire Resources (September 9, 2020)