This update was published February 23, 2021. For the most up to date information on the City’s work related to COVID-19, please visit our COVID-19 web pages. 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 Lowered to High Risk Category - Begins Friday, February 26
Oregon’s Risk and Protection Framework uses data to help inform safety measures at the county level. Every two weeks, Governor Kate Brown’s office announces the revised risk status of each county based on current data. Lane County has lowered into the high risk category for the two-week period beginning February 26.
With the reduced risk level comes new guidance including what is allowed for indoor activities such as dining, gyms, entertainment establishments and faith institutions. See Oregon Health Authority’s guidance for activities at each risk level.
Follow the Four
Help us remain at a lower risk level by continuing to follow these important recommendations:
- Stay six feet apart
- Wear a mask (see tips on how to improve your mask fit)
- Wash your hands
- Avoid large gatherings
Lane County Vaccine Pre-Registration and Scheduling an Appointment
If you haven’t already done so, you can fill out Lane County Public Health’s pre-registration for vaccination, available to all members of the public. Pre-registration will help create a centralized database to help health partners countywide contact those who wish to be vaccinated and schedule an appointment when they are eligible. If you have a friend or loved one who does not have internet access, or has difficulty navigating the internet, we encourage you to help by assisting them in preregistering online. The contact information field on the form only requires email OR phone. If someone does not have an email address the field can be left blank as long as a phone number is listed. If you are unable to complete the online form you can also preregister by phone by calling 541-682-1380 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, but please use the online form if possible.
You will receive an invitation from Lane County Public Health when an appointment is available for you to schedule. Remember to check your SPAM folder for any scheduling messages. Please follow instructions for your vaccine appointment and show up on the date, time, and location as scheduled.
It is important to remember that Lane County will continue to follow Oregon Health Authority eligibility guidelines and the timeline to receive your vaccination will depend on supply. To date, 32,480 people in Lane County have received their first dose and 16,665 are considered fully vaccinated in Lane County after having received their second dose. Sign up to receive email updates from Lane County Public Health about vaccine availability and distribution.
PPP Changes will Allow Smallest Businesses, Independent Contractors and Self-Employed to Receive More Financial Support
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on Wednesday, Feb. 24 will establish a 14-day exclusive Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application period for businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 20 employees. This will give lenders more time to work with small businesses to submit their applications, while also ensuring that larger PPP-eligible businesses will still have plenty of time to apply for and receive support before the program expires on March 31.
Free PPE for Eugene Nonprofit and Small Businesses Opens for Second Round of Distribution
Starting March 1, businesses and non-profits are allowed to request a second appointment for PPE. The City of Eugene, in partnership with Business Oregon, continues to offer free personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies to nonprofit and small businesses located in Eugene with 100 or fewer employees.
Businesses can book their appointments for March online as long as spots are still available. We will add new appointments as the current schedule is filled.
Available supplies include:
- Large and medium gloves
- Disposable masks
- Antiseptic wipes
Supplies will be dispersed on a first come, first served basis. Sign up now for an appointment to pick up your two-month supply.
Mayor Vinis Calls for Patience as the COVID-19 Vaccine is Distributed in our Area
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:
Previous Community Update
February 10, 2021 Community Update