COVID-19 Numbers Fluctuating
The Oregon Health Authority is reporting that there are 22% fewer cases of COVID-19 from the previous week’s numbers, this coincides with a more than 30% decrease across the nation. Lane County, however is showing just a 7% decrease. While the new report does show some hope for the slowing of the Omicron variant of the virus, the Florence area is still seeing its share of the virus. The weekend numbers included 36 new cases for the 97439 zip code for a total of 1292 cases since the beginning of the pandemic. The area has been averaging about one hundred cases a week over the past several weeks. Cases in fully vaccinated individuals have not been as severe, but the numbers are showing that vaccinated individuals with a booster dose are nine times less likely to have severe symptoms. There were 13,443 cases reported across the state over the weekend.
Oregon in Top 10 for Vaccinations
The OHA is reporting that Oregon ranks in the top ten in percentages of adults who are fully vaccinated and in percentages of total population vaccinated including children. The OHA continues to recommend mask wearing, staying home when feeling sick and getting vaccinated and a booster.
Emergency Management on Tsunami Advisory
Megan Messmer assistant City Manager and Chair of the West Lane Emergency Operations Group says the recent Tsunami advisory the coast experienced was not as severe as it could have been, but individuals need to heed the warnings given to avoid a catastrophe.
“That is one of our biggest challenges, unfortunately we don’t often respond to an emergency with the care it deserves until we’ve actually experienced that type of emergency.”
Messmer says we were fortunate that the situation did not require a more severe emergency response. Messmer also says she was asked several times why the tsunami sirens did not go off. She says it is the policy of WLEOG not to set them off for an advisory, but rather as a last resort in a truly dire situation where evacuation is required.
Community Foundation Announces Board
The Western Lane Community Foundation announced its 2022 Board of Directors. Sandra Kuhlman, President. Gayle Vinchesi, Executive Director, and Elected Tim Moffett, public relations and Jim Waterman, grants. Bob Orr returns as VP, Bonnie Allen, Treasurer, Sally Wantz Secretary, Karen Skulley, immediate past president, Cindy Forsythe, scholarship chair and Susan Tive, grants chair. The foundation is celebrating is 49th anniversary this year.
