Slow Reporting from Lane County
Lane County Public Health has yet to update their website that reports COVID-19 cases. The site has been inactive since Friday of last week. The Oregon Health Authorities report yesterday evening reports 360 cases for the county but not breakdown by zip code was available from the OHA. A quick look at the OHA site for zip codes shows that the State site has not been updated since Wednesday of last week. Overall reported cases are fewer than they were at the beginning of the month and since a peak of more than 10,000 daily cases in January the numbers have dropped to 201.5 cases per 100,000 around the state. Hospitalizations continue to decline with that number dropping below 600 for the first time in almost two months. There are 597 beds currently filled by COVID-19 patients. The state’s death toll now stands at 6,485 with 29 new deaths reported since Friday of last week.
Mask Mandate to Linger for Health Care Facilities
The statewide mask mandate may be close to ending as we reach the month of March, but Dr. Dean Sidelinger with the Oregon Health Authority says the one place that will likely still require masks regardless of the numbers is the Health care setting. He says that the most vulnerable people will still be at risk when entering a hospital setting and they may be immunocompromised or have underlying conditions. He says the mandate will continue to include vendors that work hospitals and likely visit several sites in a single day. Sidelinger did not rule out lifting it at some point, but for now the mandate will remain in place.
Hanging Baskets to Return
It may be freezing outside but the Florence Area Chamber of Commerce along with the City of Florence Public Works are making their plans to once again hang flower baskets through town. Chamber president and CEO Bettina Hannigan says they expect to hang more than 100 baskets this year and it will include Bay Street and the 101 corridor from the bridge to the 126 intersection. Sponsorships for baskets have increased to $100 this year and businesses and civic groups as well as individuals can sponsor a basket.
Gas Prices
The situation in the Ukraine is having a rippling effect on Gas prices according to Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon. Crude oil prices continue to rise and it is making its way to the pumps with another 2 cent increase for Oregon drivers this past week. Dodds says demand fell slightly in the U.S. this past week, but not enough to offset the supply. Even with the decrease U.S. supplies decreased by 1.3 million barrels. She says she expects the prices to continue to rise and will likely be exacerbated by the coming spring season. Average price for a gallon of regular gas in Florence is $3.85
