COVID-19 Update
Lane County Public health reported 19 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, none for the 97439 zip code. While 19 is a relatively low number the week over week totals continue to rise. The latest information from the Oregon Health Authority is showing a 54% increase from the previous week and a positive test rate that is .8 higher. Hospitalizations and deaths are also occurring at a greater rate than in previous weeks. 29 individuals died from complications of COVID-19 a 49% increase from last week. The OHA is reporting that there is still some hesitancy against receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. 41.5 percent of the eligible population has still not received even one vaccination according to the latest reports. 15 counties in Oregon exceeded the statewide average of 44.9 cases per 100,000 of those 15 counties, 13 of them had vaccinations rates lower than 55%. There are currently 21 active COVID-19 outbreaks in senior living communities.
Local Chain Deals With Supply Shortages
A banner message at the top of the Taco Bell website says, “Sorry if we can’t feed your current crave. Due to national ingredient shortages and delivery delays, we may be out of some items.” But the Eugene-based owners of Weber Enterprises, which includes the Florence Taco Bell, are looking for work-arounds. “We’re hoping that these ingredient shortages will not affect our customers. Supplies are affected but we’re trying to get product to our stores,” Daniel Weber says. The franchise is using local delivery and utilizing their managers in order to get product to their stores. “As long as we can get everything to our stores safely,” Weber says. Weber Taco Bells is a family owned business, founded in 1968 by Ed and Marie Weber.
Fire Danger Continues
As of today the Oregon Department of Forestry has banned campfires in all state parks east of interstate 5, but forest officials say that ban could increase in scope to include the western part of the state as dryer, warmer weather persists. The ban includes the use of designated fire rings. Fire danger continues to rise across the state and hot dry weather is expected to continue for some time. Currently in the Siuslaw region fire danger is rated high and there is no rain forecast for the area for at least the next 7 days. Temperatures are expected to be moderate for that time period. Extreme caution is warranted and no outdoor fire is allowed in the area.