Rapid Testing Implements Deployed
The state of Oregon has begun distributing their supply of Covid-19 rapid testing kits. Oregon received 15 of the Abbott ID NOW. The first test were given to rural hospitals for validation testing though rapid testing will not be immediately available to the public. The slow roll out of the implements is due to the federal government only sending five boxes of testing kits with 24 tests in each box. The three hospitals that received the tests are in Curry, Morrow and Lake counties. Peace Harbor hospital’s Chief Administrative Officer, Jason Hawkins says they are hopeful that they may see one in our area.
“While we are getting it ready in anticipation, we do not have a start date on that yet.”
Hawkins says that due to Oregon’s current flattening of the rise of cases, test kits are going to areas where they are more widely needed. Governor Brown says Oregon is not out of the woods just yet, and she is working with the federal government on securing more test kits. Governor Brown listed 5 criteria that must be met for hospitals to be recipients of the remaining 12 implements. They include areas with a high population of older adults and at-risk groups, and areas with a limited number of first responders.
Stay Steadfast Through Sunshine
Oregon’s COVID-19 Joint information center says with warmer weather and Sunshine beginning to find its way to Oregon, Oregonians are encouraged to find activities around the house to be outside. It is not a time to be going out in public. They suggest backyard picnics at home with those in your immediate household, walks or jogs in your neighborhood maintaining a safe social distance and gardening, washing your car or just soaking up the sunshine in your yard. While it is not currently prohibited they request you keep all non-essential travel to a minimum, like boating, hunting, and fishings. Yesterday the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife closed recreational fishing and hunting to non-residents. Oregon has ceased the selling of licenses to non residents and state police will be enforcing the ban. Oregon residents are currently allowed to continue fishing and crabbing but are encouraged not to travel outside of your communities to do so.
COVID-19 Numbers
The number of COVID-19 cases in Oregon has increased to 1321 according to the latest release from the Oregon Health Authority. 44 deaths have been reported in association with the virus and 25,627 tests have been administered with 24,306 results coming back negative. There are currently 34 positive results in Lane County. Which is an increase of 3 since previous numbers were posted. Those numbers are all from the Eugene/Springfield area.
Dead Whale
Bystanders got dangerously close to breaking the social distancing requirements yesterday as the incoming tides brought in a whale that was either dead or dying. The animal reached the rocks along the Siuslaw River lookout point on Rhododendron drive early yesterday afternoon. Social Media posted several pictures of the event. the outgoing tide took the whale back out to the ocean.
Happy – Birthday – News
A little good news to spread. Local, longtime resident Blair Sneddon was set to celebrate his 85th birthday tomorrow. Blair retired from Central Lincoln PUD and joined the Florence Fire Department back in 1957. The Coronavirus changed the plans for his celebration, and his family is now organizing a drive by at Sneddons home at 2055 40th street. Tomorrow from one to two pm friends and community members that know him are asked to drive by, wave, honk and offer birthday greetings while maintaining social distancing. Now it is kind of a secret, but he could be listening. So from the staff at coast radio…Happy birthday Blair Sneddon!
