This document was published March 23, 2021. For the most up to date information on the City’s work related to COVID-19, please visit our COVID-19 (Coronavirus) web page.
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 Moved Down to Lower Risk Category - Begins Friday, March 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 moved down into the lower risk category for the two-week period beginning March 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.
New Lane County Vaccine Registration; Group 6 Now Eligible
Following the announcement from the Oregon Health Authority, effective today Lane County Public Health has rolled out a new system for scheduling vaccination appointments to address the increased eligibility groups and prepare for vaccinating all who become eligible by May 1.
The Oregon Health Authority determines the priority and eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccination. As of today, March 23, all Lane County residents who are currently eligible will be able to schedule a vaccine appointment directly by visiting the Lane County COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics webpage. This system removes the preregistration requirement and has removed the need to wait for an email invitation to schedule an appointment. See Lane County’s Vaccine FAQ for more information on the new registration process.
Currently eligible groups include:
- Phase 1a, all groups
- Phase 1b, groups 1-5
- Phase 1b, group 6
All Adults to be Eligible for Vaccine by May 1
Oregon Health Authority has announced that everyone 16 and older will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations by May 1. The state will continue to make equity the center of its vaccine distribution efforts, ensuring that seniors, people with underlying conditions, frontline workers, and the Oregonians most vulnerable to COVID-19 have the opportunity for vaccinations as soon as possible. Please remember that vaccine availability may be limited by supply as new groups become eligible.
See the current eligibility timeline.
Eviction Updates
There is a new statewide eviction moratorium (HB 4401) that will last until June 30, 2021. This means that, with limited exceptions, landlords cannot evict renters for nonpayment or without cause until July of 2021. Renters must sign and return a form to their landlord if they can’t afford their rent. This form is available from the Oregon Judicial Branch. Please spread the word! Learn more in this short video about the eviction moratorium.
Federal Funding
The City of Eugene will likely receive around $30 million dollars in federal funding as part of the American Recovery Plan (ARP). Currently we are waiting for further information on when the funds will arrive and how they can be spent. This stimulus funding appears similar to the CARES act in that funds are eligible for expenses related to the public health emergency and to assist in lost revenue. The ARP funding will be in two phases: half of the total amount in 2021 and half in 2022. We are also evaluating all aspects of the ARP legislation funding to determine what other areas the City may be eligible. We will have more to share as that information becomes available.
Follow the Four
Help us remain at a reduced risk level by continuing to follow these important recommendations:
1. Stay six feet apart
2. Wear a mask (see CDC’s recent tips on how to improve your mask fit)
3. Wash your hands
4. Avoid large gatherings
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
March 17, 2021 Community Update Special Edition