Lane Could Move to Moderate Risk Level
Lane County continues to experience low numbers of new coronavirus cases as counties around the state prepare for new risk levels. Yesterday’s count of 15 new cases means the likelihood of Lane falling to the Moderate level of risk by week’s end. A move to moderate would also mean that restaurants could increase their capacity to 50% or 100 people and outdoor seating would allow up to 8 people per table. Churches would also benefit from the move allowing for 50% or 150 people whichever is fewer. Theaters and museums can also increase their capacity at the 50% level. Lane County Public Health’s Jason Davis says case averages are down and have been under 40 per day consistently in the past two weeks. Mask restrictions would still remain the same under the moderate category.
One New Case For Florence
Of the 15 new cases reported in Lane County yesterday, Florence had one of those cases. The 97439 zip code rose to 174 total cases as the trend for the county is on the decline. Several outlets across Florence, including Peace Harbor hospital continue to do COVID-19 testing, but the overall rate of new cases is not staggering as in previous months. In all Lane County is down 39% and Oregon is leading among the nations states in slowing the spread of the coronavirus.
School’s in Session
The Siuslaw School District is now offering in class instruction Monday through Thursday with limited students on campus in the mornings and distance learning in the afternoon. But that means that school buses are now on the roads. It has been some time since buses were out on public roads with students and city officials want to remind individuals of the safety concerns while driving. Vehicles must stop in both directions when a bus is stopped with its lights on and stop sign extended.
Vaccination Clinics
Wednesday’s and Saturday’s mass vaccination clinics were well organized and participating individuals had limited wait times as the city vaccinated 2000 individuals last week. According to city manager Erin Reynolds the city is now coordinating with Lane County on the second round of shots for those individuals. There is also a plan for doing more clinics, but Reynolds says that is dependent on the number of doses allocated to rural areas like Florence.
