Cases Continue to Mount
Recent COVID-19 outbreaks are likely the result of community spread according to the Lane County Health and Human Services information Officer, Jason Davis. Davis says they are not currently monitoring any active outbreaks in the 97439 zip code making the current rise in cases a likely result of random contact throughout the area. There have been 9 cases over the last 8 days in Florence including 2 new cases yesterday raising the overall total to 53. The state reported 1,331 new cases of the coronavirus yesterday and an additional 12 new deaths including a 50 year old Lane County man who died on December 5th and had underlying health conditions. Hospitalizations also increased in the state to 565 that is an additional 19 cases from the previous day. There are currently 45 individuals hospitalized in Lane County.
PPE Available
The City of Florence has made a shipment of Personal Protection Equipment available to local businesses. The city currently has substantial amounts of masks, gloves and other items for businesses to receive. City Manager Erin Reynolds says If you have a need for items you can sign up on the city’s website.
“It’s a simple form, sign up, and we’ll have a drive-thru distribution time set for you.”
You can visit ci.florence.or.us to access the form.
Boys and Girls Club Extend Fundraiser
The Boys and Girls Club of Western Lane County had chosen a new way to raise money in the COVID-19 area. They had to cancel their annual Homecoming Gala this year and came up with the Platypus Bowl pitting fans of both the Ducks and Beavers against one another. Chuck Trent, the Executive Director for the Boys and Girls Club release the numbers to date over the weekend and the fund raiser has brought in about $52,400 dollars. Trent says there was no clear winner in the competition so as he says they are sending it into overtime. Individuals will still have an opportunity to contribute for their team to try to produce a clear winner. The Ducks are slightly in the lead with $26,395 and the Beavers are close behind with $26,017. People have until December 15, to help decide. All money raised benefits programs and operations for the club. To support go to platypusbowl.afrogs.org.
The City of Florence Police department has been investigating several instances of break-ins into local vehicles and even a couple reports of stolen vehicles. According to a release by Florence Police the vehicle have been recovered, but they issued some tips on how to protect your vehicle and property therein. Roll up windows, lock all doors and hide personal belongings. They suggest that you do not park a vehicle and then put items in the trunk as someone could be watching and waiting. They also recommend turning off Bluetooth devices if you are storing them in the vehicle as a thief can detect those items.
