Variant Becomes Predominant Strain
The Oregon Health Authority is reporting that the Omicron Subvariant BA.4 and BA.5 are now the predominant strains in Oregon and across the U.S.. this strain is even more transmissible than the original Omicron variant which was in turn more transmissible than earlier COVID-19 variants. The OHA is also reporting that it is the new strain that is mainly responsible for the rise in hospitalizations. Due to the nature of this variant the OHA is strongly urging individuals to mask indoors, especially in places where there are vulnerable groups. It has yet to be determined whether or not the current variants cause more severe illness. The report says that we are likely seeing a greater spread due to the lack of sustainable immunity. Melissa Sutton, OHA director of respiratory viral pathogens says immunity from a COVID-19 infection may only last a couple of months before people can become susceptible again. test positivity rates are also climbing. Sutton says rates are fast approaching those seen during the Delta wave of the virus. The OHA is still recommending vaccinations even though they report that vaccinations may not prevent the transmission of the BA.4 and BA.5 variants.
Gas Prices
Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon says the global price of crude oil is putting downward pressure on prices. Crude oil has dropped about 20% in the last month. Over the past week that has caused a 9 cent drop in prices across the state while national prices are dropping an average of 14 cents. Oregon’s price for a gallon of regular gas is averaging $5.38. Florence’s price is averaging $5.35 a gallon with $5.45 being the current high available and $5.19 being the lowest. Dodds says there is a tight supply which is contributing to the sustained high prices.
Cancelled Chinook Season Update
As reported in late spring the Oregon Department of Fish and wildlife has close the upcoming Chinook season for the Siuslaw River. John Spangler is a fish biologist with ODFW. He says that after a good year in 2015 they have seen a steady drop off in fish.
“What we’re generally seeing is that Siuslaw and south are not performing as well as some of the north coast basins, but even this year the Tillamook is falling into a conservation closure for wild fish.”
Spangler says there have been many factors over the past 7 years that contributed to the decrease in salmon population including an ocean blob and a strong el Niño. He also attributed the decrease to global warming. There is no indication as to whether the halt in fishing along the Siuslaw will continue into the following season.
Private Ribbon Cutting
Lane County Parks and Recreation is holding a small ribbon cutting ceremony today at Harbor Vista Campground in Florence. The campground is officially opening a group of new cabins that have been placed in the campground. The event will be limited to media and partnering agencies with Lane County Parks. The public is not invited due to limited space at the event.
