New Cases of COVID-19
The Death toll in Oregon for COVID-19 has reached 21 which is part of a bigger picture as the nationwide death toll ramps up with a single day total of 1040 which more than doubles the previous worst day on record. Reported cases of the virus has grown to 826 across the state with 21 reported cases in Lane County. There has also been a confirmed case in Reedsport yesterday. Douglas County Public Health Officer Dr. Bob Dannenhoffer did not reveal any specifics of the case citing the safety and privacy of the individual. To date there have been 16,085 tests administered with 15,259 negative results.
CTCLUSI: Casinos to Remain Closed For Now
For the safety and protection of employees and customers The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians Tribal Council has extended the closure of its Three Rivers Casino Resorts in Florence and Coos Bay. The Tribal Council decided to extend the period based on the current guidelines provided by the CDC. No proposed date for reopening the resorts was given.
Governor Introduces Business Resource Page
Governor Kate Brown announced the launch of the Coronavirus Small Business Resource Navigator. The informational page can be found at oregon4biz.com and contains resources for small businesses to help them locate financial support and important information to help them stay in business through the COVID-19 crisis. There is information on Federal SBA programs, Paycheck Protection, Economic Injury Disaster Loans and Debt Relief programs as well as state programs like the Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund. There are also links to local and regional assistance.
Watch Out for Scammers
Stimulus refund scams are already hitting cell phones across the state and even in Florence. Callers are pretending to be from the IRS and asking for banking information so that they can electronically post your check to your account. Ron Green with OPB says not to fall for these tactics.
“The IRS has your information. So if you in the past have filed your tax returns and either paid your tax payment or received your tax refund via direct deposit, they already have your account number.”
If you receive a scam call, contact Florence PD through their non emergency number and give them the information.
Play Areas Closed
The city of Florence, in their monthly newsletter, has posted the city parks list of closures. All play equipment and structures and sports courts are currently closed to the public. The exception is that the Singing Pines Dog park has remained open with signs posted that social distancing requirements should be adhered to. The city is reserving the right to close that park as well, if the safety and health of individuals is deemed in jeopardy.
