Viruses – Holiday Gathering
The Oregon Health Authority is urging caution during holiday gatherings indoors this year. Many hospitals are experiencing record numbers of patients due to the onslaught of COVID-19, influenza and RSV. The rate of infection is greatly increased in enclosed spaces and the colder weather will keep people inside for the holiday. Across the state there are 314 COVID-19 cases alone in hospitals with that just being a part of admissions. Flu and RSV cases continue to spike. 109 patients were admitted with influenza and the OHA is reporting 717 cases of RSV with a hospitalization rate of about 10 percent. The most recent data on COVID-19 suggests that the BA5 variant of omicron is now in 100% of cases being seen based on test results released in their current reporting cycle.
Warming Shelters
There are three locations in the Florence area for unhoused people to get out of the weather and warm up. The Florence Cold Weather Shelter is open for overnight lodging when the weather is going to be at or below freezing. A free shuttle runs from five to six pm with pickups at Siuslaw Public Library, Safeway and Linda’s 37th Street Laundry. In addition to that, the Helping Hands Soup Kitchen operates Monday through Friday from ten AM to two PM at St. Andrews Episcopal; 2135 19th street. Siuslaw Public Library is also available as a warming center from ten AM to closing Monday through Saturday, then from one to five on Sunday afternoon (except 12/25).
Emergency SNAP Benefits
Food insecurity continues to be an issue for thousands of Oregonians. Florence alone serves over 700 families annually. The Oregon Department of Human Services announced that it will issue another 71 million dollars in emergency snap benefits for the month of January. Currently about 421,000 are on the SNAP receiving list. That will add about an additional $168.00 for each family that is signed up. If you currently receive SNAP benefits they will be automatically increased. Emergency benefits will also be available in February.
Power Outages
About 86 households and businesses in the Mapleton Area lost power overnight. Central Lincoln PUD reports that most of the outages occurred after midnight as a result of the winter weather. Temperatures in the area remained near freezing late into the evening before rising this morning to 42 degrees before sunrise. The Ice Storm warning was extended and remained in effect until 10 am this morning. Tonight and through the Christmas weekend overnight temperatures are expected to be mild with lows in the mid to upper 40’s.