Vax Clinic; COVID-19 Cases; Committee Positions; EAS Test

Vax Clinic

The emphasis on masking and social distancing has waned in recent weeks, but the City of Florence is still committed to bring vaccination clinics to Florence.  Tomorrow the Florence Events Center will be host to another in a series of clinics.  The event will be from 10 am until noon.  City Manager Erin Reynolds says now is the time to get a vaccine.

“Our last scheduled event, right now, is this week, April 27th.”

Reynolds says you can receive a shot no matter where you are in the vaccine regimen.  Information on how to register is available at eventcenter.org.  Vaccines will be available for first timers as well.  The Lane County Public health website has information on how to sign up along with a short form to fill out to determine eligibility. Lanecounty.org

COVID-19 Cases

Week over week counts of COVID-19 show a drastic increase in cases in Lane County.  In their latest Weekly report Lane County Public Health shows an increase of 142 cases from the previous week which is a 78 percent increase.  Weekend totals out yesterday reported 179 new cases bringing the daily average up to 55.  Two more cases were added to Florence (1521).  For the same period the Oregon Health Authority added 2,082 cases.

Committee Positions

A seat has opened up on the Florence Planning Commission.  It is a rare occurrence according to Florence city Manager Erin Reynolds.  The seat is for an in city resident.  Reynolds says while it is not required, it is helpful to have some previous knowledge about codes and zoning.

“You have to have a good eye for detail and have an appreciation for process and regulation and understand the purpose behind long range and short range planning for the city.”

There are also seats available on the EMAC and Public Arts Committee.  Deadline for submitting an application is May 2nd.

EAS Test

This Saturday the West Lane Emergency Operations Group will be participating in a Emergency Alert System Warning Test for the Siuslaw Valley Fire and Rescue service area.  Megan Messmer is the Emergency Manager for WLEOG.

“The Lane County emergency manager and our Lane County PIO will be at station one during the test from noon to 1 where they will be available to answer questions or help people sign up for the opt in as well.”

Most individuals will receive either a text, email, or phone call depending on whether or not they use a mobile phone or depend solely on a land line.  WLEOG is working closely with Lane county Emergency Management to coordinate the test.

“They do have the ability to see what the reach was in it and how many phones were hit with that emergency alert.”

A reminder not to dial 911 when and if you receive the message that will be clearly marked “test.”