One New Case For Coast
There are no new deaths to report due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Oregon numbers continue to be high around the state. In Lane County there are currently 458 confirmed and presumptive cases with 38,841 tests having been conducted. One new case has been added to the 97439 zip code numbers, but details are not currently available on the latest addition. That brings the total number for the Florence/Mapleton/Dunes City area to 18. Multnomah and Washington counties continue to be the hotbed for new cases with 119 new one for Multnomah and 61 for Washington. Umatilla has also seen 47 new cases. The official OHA page lists 8 new cases for Lane County, however their reporting numbers tend to differ slightly from Lane County Public Health, likely due to the time reporting is submitted.
Rise in Coastal Campers
The Oregon Department of Parks and recreation are seeing a huge rise in numbers along the Oregon coast. Without the regularly scheduled activities of summer, people are opting to get outdoors according to OPRD spokesperson Chris Havel. Outdoor activities like camping and hiking are seeing a record boost similar to holiday numbers, though campers are finding it difficult to find available spaces. The overcrowding is causing campers to camp in areas that are not official campgrounds, which can be devastating to vegetation. About 3 in 10 are not finding traditional camping areas according to OPRD. Officials say that the coronavirus is fueling the exodus to the coast. Spread of the virus is believed to be less in outdoor environments.
Hot Cars and Pets
Summertime can be difficult for your pets. The Oregon Coast Humane Society reminds individuals with pets that leaving a pet in a car can be dangerous even in 70 degree weather. Charles Brown, executive director of the OCHS says that even cracking the window and parking in the shade may not be enough to keep the temperatures from rapidly rising inside the car. A 70 degree day can mean 90 degrees inside the vehicle. Older pets and pets with thick dark coats are also more susceptible to overheating. Brown says that if you see a pet in distress in a vehicle, be sure to call the Florence Police before taking action to help the animal, as you can be held accountable for damages if your actions were deemed unnecessary to help.
Brown To Address COVID and School
Governor Kate Brown will be holding a press event today to discuss the new COVID-19 health and safety metrics for school districts. Siuslaw School District along with other districts across the state are developing plans for the upcoming school year and those plans could be subject to change as the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority look at how the virus is currently spreading. According to the office of the governor, there will likely be some sort of distance learning incorporated to the fall semester, but to what extent that will happen has not yet been determined.
