COVID Numbers Up
Covid numbers are once again on the increase. The latest variant of the virus is more contagious than the last and despite the number of tests being administered, dr. Willie Foster with Peace Harbor Medical Center says the CDC is able to adequately track cases using several methods.
“How many ED cases are being seen, what percentage of test that are being done are turning positive and then the other factor that they take into account is wastewater sampling.”
Dr. Foster says they are seeing cases in the ED here in Florence and while he says the cases are similar to flu cases, they are occurring more regularly. He says there is not a typical season like you would see in the flu. He also says covid numbers likely climb in spring and summer with more people getting outside and gathering. He recommends that people stay up to date on vaccinations for the virus especially if you are over 65 or you have health issues that may exacerbate the virus.
Air Quality
You may have noticed a hint of smoke in the air this morning around Florence. It is not due to any wildfires nearby and it is not significant enough for an air quality alert. According to the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency the Air Quality in Florence is good. Fires across the state continue to burn. A cluster of fires in the Umpqua National Forest southeast of Eugene are covering a large swath of land. The Durkee fire in eastern Oregon has burned more than 293 acres, but fire officials calculate the containment percentage at 51%.
New Crisis Line Debuts
Lane County Behavioral Health has announced the launch of a new crisis hotline. The Number is intended to link individuals with support in a moment of crisis. It will allow corroboration with medical professionals and emergency service providers. The line is operational 24/7. The crisis line is 541-682-1001.
Gas Prices
Gas Prices continue to decline along the west coast as the Midwest struggles with increases. In Oregon the price of a gallon of regular gas decreased another 2 cents this week in part due to lower crude prices. That according to Marie Dodds with AAA Oregon. Dodds says the unknown factor is pricing is the hurricane season, which could cause major fluctuations were a major hurricane to occur in the gulf. Here in Florence the price of regular gas has decreased 3 cents to $3.63 a gallon.