Case Counts Continue to Decline
Coronavirus cases for Lane County continue to be low. Yesterday Lane County Public health on reported 21 cases across the county with no new cases for the Florence Area. Daily averages are currently at 34.86 per day over the past seven days and the total cases per 100,000 have dropped significantly to 63.98. The most significant number that the County is looking for is 65. That is the percentage of vaccinated individuals that is needed to move to the lowest category of risk and will allow businesses to open up to a greater number of patrons. Currently the number being reported by the Oregon Health Authority is 59.8 %. The OHA numbers are about a day behind, but vaccination rates continue to drop across the state. the past two days have seen only 24,280 new vaccinations and not all of them were first round doses. First round dose numbers will move the percentages up. However is cases of COVID-19 continue to be low Lane County should be able to move to a lower risk by next Friday.
Siuslaw Watershed Council
The Siuslaw Watershed Council will be holding a virtual Education Event on Wednesday May 26th. the subject will be Coastal Fire History, the 2020 Sweet Creek Fire. Oregon continues to be at risk for wildfires and the Siuslaw Watershed Council is hosting the event to serve as a reminder of the dangers faced in the Siuslaw Region. Aaron Groth from the Oregon State University’s Extension Fire Program will present the talk. For registration information visit Siuslaw.org/events
COVID Related Deaths on the Rise
The Oregon Health authority is reporting another week of declining numbers in COVID-19 cases yet deaths and hospitalizations have risen. Cases have declined 16% over the previous 7 day period while there were 20 additional hospitalizations and deaths increased to their highest rate in over 10 weeks with 57 deaths. Testing rates have also dropped, but positive test percentages rose .3% to 6.4. Statewide case reports show there were 394 cases yesterday and 7 new deaths reported.
Construction
Traffic is slower on 9th street as crews were digging along the south side of the street near Kingwood yesterday. The road is open to one lane of traffic with flaggers controlling the flow. You can expect delays along 9th street from Rhododendron to Kingwood over the next 6 months as crews replace water and sewer lines. Long lines can be expected all the way back to Highway 101 at peak times. Hospital egress can be made at the south side of the campus at Rhododendron. The project is expected to be completed by late October.
