OHA COVID-19 Numbers
The latest numbers from the Oregon Health Authority have confirmed that there are 266 (268) cases of the coronavirus in the state of Oregon. To date there have been 5,742 tests administered and 5,476 negative test results. The total number of known cases in Lane County has increased to 7. As of 6 pm last night Lane County Health reported two more cases than OHA lists. Both new cases are from the Eugene/Springfield area. The first is a woman in her 60’s who health authorities say is resting comfortable at home in her private residence. The other is a man in his 30’s who is also stable at home. Washington, Marion, Multnomah, and Linn counties still continue to bear the brunt of the pandemic. OHA says that the two age groups most widely affected by COVID-19 are 40-49 and 60-69. There have been 75 hospitalizations to date and the numbers are pretty evenly split among men and women.
Need For Blood
There is an urgent and ongoing need for blood. Bloodworks Northwest is reporting that hospitals during this crisis are still in need of a steady supply of donations, currently though, they have suspended all mobile blood drives and are not coming to Florence. This poses a particular problem with the Stay Home-Save Lives order issued by Governor Brown. Currently they are only taking donations at their center in Eugene, making it challenging for Florence residents to donate. If you do have to travel to Eugene for necessities, they are asking that you call and also schedule a time to donate blood. They are currently still open 7 days for donations
White House Receives Letter From Oregon Delegation
A delegation of 7 members of the house and senate representing Oregon delivered a letter to the White House yesterday supporting Governor Brown’s call for a major disaster declaration for the state as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. As in many other states, the virus has caused major disruptions in education and commerce. The letter addresses the amount of stress put upon rural clinics, hospitals and providers due to lack of test kits and personal protection equipment. The letter also requests the full support for individual and household assistance, counseling assistance and training, disaster care management, legal and unemployment assistance and the institution of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program statewide.
PeaceHealth Offers Phone Visits
PeaceHealth has announced that they are expanding coverage to patients by offering telephone visits in all the communities that they serve. They are still offering face to face visits on a prioritized schedule for those with immediate or urgent health needs. Patients can contact the Florence clinic at 541-997-7134 for information.
State Extends Filing Deadline
The State of Oregon yesterday officially declared a new date for filing state taxes, following closely the changes in federal filing dates. Oregon residents now have until July 15th to file. Exceptions are for those who are making estimated tax payments, that deadline has not been extended.
Rest Areas to Remain Open
Even though parks and recreational areas have closed, the Oregon Department of Transportation says it has no plans to close rest areas. ODOT says cleaning of the rest areas has doubled since the pandemic and warning signs have been posted warning individuals to keep a 6 foot minimum distance. ODOT additionally says that rest areas in state parks will also remain open even though the park itself is closed. Barricades have been installed in those areas.
