COVID-19 Numbers
Weekend totals for new and presumptive COVID-19 cases are due out today. The last report from the Oregon Health Authority was on Friday where there were 2,113 new cases and 21 deaths reported. As far as a specific number of deaths for the area Jason Davis with Lane County Public Health says the breakdown of deaths in the 97439 zip code cannot be broken down as the county only determines deaths by either urban or rural status at this point. Hospitalizations continue to decrease with a total of 855 beds dedicated to COVID-19 cases that number has decreased over the past several weeks from a high at over 1,100. There was an increase though in ICU patients. The OHA is reporting that it is still vaccinating more than 7,500 individuals daily. Friday’s numbers included 14 more cases for the Florence area for an all time total of 643 cases. COVID-19 cases continue to cause temporary business closures to some businesses.
COVID-19 Forecast
The forecast for the immediate future of the Coronavirus is promising according the Oregon Health Authority. Between now and October 12th the OHA is predicting a reduction of daily cases and cases per 100,000. While hospital bed occupancy remains high, the OHA scenario is predicting a decrease in hospitalizations over the same period. Even with the potential of COVID-19 cases dropping there has been an increase in high-risk behavior and protocol fatigue according to the latest release. According to the OHA predictions there is also the chance that future increases could occur as transmission rates continue to grow.
Recycling Event
This Sunday will be the final EcoGeneration Recycling Take Back Event for the Florence area. The event allows for Florence area residents to bring cleaned plastics to the Siuslaw Middle School pavilion from 11 am until 2pm. The event requires individuals to clean, remove labels and sort plastics by number. According to a press release by the organizers this will also be the final time that caps will be recycled for free. While the event is free, donations are appreciated to cover the costs of the recycling. Volunteers are also needed for the event. Information is available at ecogeneration.org.
WLCF Grant Cycle
The Western Lane Community foundation has announced its 2022 grant cycle. Non-profit organizations have until January 15, 2022 to apply for grants for projects and programs in western Lane County. The WLCF has posted updated guidelines for the grant process which can be accessed online at wlcfonline.org. Grants are generally awarded in the amount of $100.00 to $5000.00 dollars depending on the nature of the grant project and funds available. In 2021 the Western Lane Community foundation awarded more than $89,000.00.
Grand Marshalls Announced
Planning for the November 11th Veteran’s Day Parade is underway. The committee announced yesterday that it will have 2 grand Marshalls for the parade. Retired First Sargeant Tony Cavarno and retired Command Sargeant Major Paul Gargis. It is not known yet whether there will be a parade as there has been in pre-covid times or a Veterans Honor Cruise as was held in 2021. Specific details will be released the closer they come to the date of the event.
