Cases Drop Slightly
Despite the high daily numbers of reported coronavirus cases in Oregon, the Oregon Health Authority is reporting that cases have declined in the past week. The week ending August 9th saw a 156 case drop from the previous week reporting only 2,122 new cases. There was also a decrease in the percentages of positive tests to 5.4%. the current age group that is most affected by the virus remains in the 20-29 group although those suffering the worst effects of the virus are still the elderly. Persons over the age of 80 account for more than half of the hospitalizations in the state. Most of the new cases reported each week are considered community spread which means there is no known source indicating that the virus is widespread. There are currently two outbreaks reported that have cases that exceed 20 individuals, one is a berry grower in Marion County and the other is a health care system in Umatilla county. There are 22 and 29 cases respectively.
Newest Cases – COVID-19
The latest numbers for the coronavirus in Oregon are 22,022 cases to date with 258 new confirmed cases yesterday. Lane County had 10 of those cases for a total of 606 confirmed or presumptive cases. Currently in Lane County there are only 2 hospitalizations. Lane County Public Health reports that Lane County follows the state numbers when it comes to those most affected by the virus. 158 individuals are in the 21-30 age group. Here in Florence the count still remains at 18. There is still no widespread testing available for the coast. Peace Harbor is conducting tests, but participants must be showing symptoms of the virus in order to get a test.
Gas Prices
Gas prices for the state are holding fairly steady. Last week AAA Oregon reported the same numbers for the previous week with the state average price for a gallon of regular remaining at $2.65 a gallon. There has been little change in Florence with the price of regular gas averaging $2.46 a gallon. According to Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon demand for gas dropped 2% over the past week. She says that gas prices are likely to edge downward in August as more school districts are announcing distance learning. Fewer buses and cars transporting kids to school will mean a further drop in demand .
Umpqua Highway Delays
If you have travel plans that include the Umpqua Highway you can expect intermittent road closures as ODOT removes debris from the roadside after a fire in the Scottsburg area, approximately milepost 17. Work in the area should be concluded today. Most of the roadway was limited to single lane use yesterday as fire crews were cleaning up the area.
