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:
We further recommend all residents practice social distancing whenever possible:
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.