March 16, 2020 —

TESTING UPDATE

Lane County has had no positive COVID-19 tests as of 8 a.m. on March 16. A total of 45 tests have been ordered for Lane County residents, with 10 still pending.

DAILY KEY MESSAGES

Lane County and the cities of Eugene and Springfield are expected to each issue an emergency declaration this week. The purpose of the emergency declarations is to increase the amount of state and federal resources that can be used to address COVID-19 in our community. It also provides authorization for agencies to expand their ability to respond to the situation with updated or new policies, including working with vulnerable populations and businesses.

Springfield City Council will consider the declaration tonight during its meeting at 7 p.m. at Springfield City Hall, 225 Fifth St., Springfield.

Lane County Board of Commissioner will consider the declaration tomorrow, March 17, at its meeting at 9:00 a.m. in Harris Hall, 125 E. Eighth Ave., Eugene.

Eugene City Council will consider the declaration tomorrow, March 17.

These meetings are open to the public, but people are urged to take preventative measures such as social distancing. Recordings of the meetings will be available at a later date.

In addition, Lane County will be posting a damage assessment form on its COVID-19 webpage for businesses in Lane County to fill out. The purpose of the damage assessment form is to begin documenting the economic damage faced by businesses as a result of COVID-19. The information gathered will be used to pursue potential federal reimbursement for businesses; however, that reimbursement is not guaranteed.

Lane Transit District (LTD) will be making significant changes to its routes and scheduling in response to COVID-19 in order to help limit the spread of the illness. Please monitor LTD’s website, www.ltd.org, for more information.

PREVENTION INFORMATION

Lane County recommends all residents take everyday precautions to prevent the spread of many respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are often touched.
• Take care of your health overall. Staying current on your vaccinations (including the flu vaccine), eating well and exercising all help your body stay resilient.
• Consult CDC’s travel website for any travel advisories and steps to protect yourself if you plan to travel outside of the US.

We further recommend all residents practice social distancing whenever possible:

• Don't shake hands. Avoid unnecessary contact by not shaking hands, hugging or kissing as greetings. Find other, non-contact ways to say hello.
• Leave space. Maintain a 6-foot radius between yourself and others in public spaces. (Droplets that may carry influenza and COVID-19 can commonly travel up to 6 feet.)
• Think it through. If you would normally reconsider attending an event during flu season, reconsider it now.
• People over 60 and those with pre-existing respiratory, cardiac conditions, or who are immuno-compromised should avoid all large gatherings.
• Remember, Governor Brown has issued an Executive Order canceling all events that would bring together 250 or more people.

Recommendations for residents who are 60+ or have pre- existing conditions:

Residents who are who are 60 or more years old, and residents who have pre-existing cardio or respiratory conditions, or are immune-compromised, are urged be cautious about attending any event that brings groups of people together in a confined area.

Examples of pre-existing conditions include asthma, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Lane County and other authorities encourage everyone to make use of technology (FaceTime, video calls and other tools) to stay in touch with senior community members and those in self-quarantine. Isolation can be unhealthy, especially for elderly community members who live alone. Staying in touch can help people remain connected to their loved ones and their communities.