COVID-19 Cases Rise in Florence
There were two more cases of the coronavirus in Florence reported over the weekend bringing the total to 58 cases. This is after two cases were reported on Friday. In total there were 197 new cases according to Lane County Public Health with a new update expected today. There were just under 4,100 cases reported statewide. The total number of cases to date in Lane County is 5,605 and the statewide total is just under 94,000 cases. Hospitals are expecting shipments of the new Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine which should begin being administered this week. First responders and the aged at risk population in places like nursing homes will be the first to receive the vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine will be administered in two doses several weeks apart.
Flu Numbers Way Down
With a global pandemic running rampant through communities, the annual flu, at least across the state of Oregon is seeing a drop in cases during a period that is usually the beginning of the uptick. According to the Oregon Health Authority there were a mere 10 cases statewide last week and that is way below last years rate. There were 3079 flu tests reported with only a .3 percent rate of positive tests. OHA is still highly recommending that individuals get their flu shot to avoid an upward swing as we move into the winter months. Flu rates are following similar patterns with countries like Australia who saw a significant decline in cases, possibly as a result of COVIDd-19 related quarantines.
WLCF Grants
The Western Lane Community foundation is in the midst of accepting application for its 2021 grant cycle. WLCF grants supports non-profit institutions in western Lane County in the areas of education, medicine and science, the arts and social and civic services. The 2020 grant recipients benefitted from over $87,000 dollars worth of grants. These grants are awarded on merit, need and the benefit to the community at large. Application for grants can be found at wlcfonline.org
Blood Drive
Mark Smith from Bloodworks NW says there are still openings this week for blood donations. Tomorrows spots are filled but smith says that Wednesday there are appointments available. The blood drive will be at Siuslaw Middle School and you can secure a spot by going to bloodworksnw.org.
Last Chance To Change Health Plan
Tomorrow is the last day to select a new health care plan. Open enrollment will end on Tuesday and if you have not changed or selected a new plan you will have to wait until next year.
Council Meeting
Florence City Council will meet in executive session this evening to review the evaluation of City Manager Erin Reynolds, following that meeting the council will meet in open session at 5:30. Of the several items on the agenda the city will consider a resolution authorizing the acceptance of another grant from the Oregon Department of Transportation for the Safe Routes to School Program.
