Lane County to Learn Risk Level
Today is the day that Lane County will find out just where they will be in the state’s risk level for COVID-19 infections. Currently the county is in a two week grace period and has remained at low risk despite the rising number of cases across the county. Case numbers have been up across the county and state more than 25%. Lane County is one of only 3 counties that have had the worst week over week increases according to the Oregon Health Authority. Due to current numbers it is likely that Lane County will skip the moderate risk level and return to High Risk. This past week Lane County has experienced 88.7 cases per 100,000 which is still considered a moderate spread rate. In yesterday’s report from Lane County there were 2 more cases of COVID-19 recognized for the Florence area bringing the total here to 195. There were 36 new cases across the county and the state listed 294 new cases.
Evaluating Possible Events
Even with the threat of a higher risk level, there is still a possibility that Lane County could again move down, but it will take a concerted effort in the valley for that to happen. Western Lane County is at the mercy of what happens in the Eugene/Springfield area, but rising numbers in Florence are not helping. While Rhody Days has been officially cancelled there are some groups that have hopes of doing some kind of activity during the traditional Rhody Weekend. City Manager Erin Reynolds says there have been several requests that have come into the city that are currently being reviewed. One of the requests was from the Rods and Rhodys group that was hoping to put on the annual show and shine, but a move to a high risk level would likely cancel those plans as it would severely limit the number of participants that would be allowed for outdoor gatherings. Reynolds says it is important to continue to be vigilant in our safety practices.
School FAC Meeting
The Siuslaw School Board will be having a Facilities committee meeting this evening at 6pm the meeting can be accessed through the district’s youtube channel.
City Council Looks at Plan
The City Council in their work session yesterday went over proposed changes and updates to city codes and budget items. The council is working on completing discussion on items in preparation for the new biennial budget and plan for the city. City Manager Erin Reynolds says they hope to be able to announce the new city plan sometime in May. Councilor Bill Meyer said in the meeting that he believes the plan is very ambitious and very comprehensive. The council work session was just under two hours.
