County Inches Toward “Low Risk”
A glitch in the tableau public website that tallies the number of COVID-19 cases for individual zip codes has prevented Lane County Public Health from posting case numbers to individual zip codes, but the Oregon Health Authority numbers can still break down the case count by county. Over the weekend Lane County had 26 new cases reported while the state reported 563 new cases. This week is a reporting week for changes to the risk level and currently Lane County is on a trajectory to move to the low risk category which would allow an even greater number of people to visit local restaurants as well as theaters and gyms. Low risk would allow social and indoor gatherings for up to 10 people and 4 households, while restaurants would be allowed up to 50% of capacity with no limit to maximum occupancy based on size of the establishment. Indoor full contact sports would still be prohibited and long term care facilities would allow inside and outside visitation which is also available under the moderate risk category. Outdoor social gatherings would also increase to 12 people.
Vaccination Numbers Climb
The Oregon Health Authority is reporting vaccinations of up to 35,000 during the previous two days and have now administered first and second doses of over 1.5 million. The state has currently received more than 1.9 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Governor Brown also announced on Friday that counties that can attest to largely finishing vaccinations to their 65 and older population can begin vaccinating the 45 and older age group with underlying health conditions. Frontline workers and individuals 16-44 with underlying health conditions can begin receiving their vaccines beginning April 19. May first all Oregonians 16 and older become eligible.
Seasonal Flu Numbers Pale in Comparison
The statewide report on the seasonal flu continues to be low. The past reporting period ending March 13 added only 2 new cases for the state. The OHA reported that Oregon along with every state in the nation continues to be in the minimal category for flu. Health officials believe the trend is due mainly because of the efforts to fight off the coronavirus.
