Month: June 2020

Governor Kate Brown announced today that Oregonians statewide will be required to wear face coverings in indoor public spaces, beginning this Wednesday July 1. The guidance applies to businesses and members of the public visiting indoor public spaces. Face covering requirements are already mandated in eight counties.

“The choices every single one of us make in the coming days matter,” said Governor Brown. “Face coverings that cover your nose and mouth play a critical role in reducing the spread of this disease because droplets from our breath can carry the virus to others without us realizing it. If we all wear face coverings, practice six feet of physical distancing in public, wash our hands regularly, and stay home when we are sick, then we can avoid the worst-case scenarios that are now playing out in other states.” The statewide mask requirement comes after continued increases in the spread of COVID-19 since reopening. COVID-19 cases have increased each week for four straight weeks statewide, and it is spreading faster in the community. While large workplace outbreaks have driven increased cases in recent weeks, sporadic cases (those with no clear link to another case) account for a growing percentage of new cases.

Oregon can stay safe if we all do our part to keep COVID-19 under control and protect our friends, family and neighbors from this virus.

COVID-19 cases are surging in Oregon. How can we all work together to bend the curve back downward?

Today OHA released new modeling that shows a considerable rise in COVID-19 in Oregon. The latest model by OHA and the Institute for Disease Modeling is based on data through June 18. It offers three projections – optimistic, moderate and pessimistic – predicting that daily case levels could rise as much as 20 percentage points. The entire report can be found here.

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New modeling of the COVID-19 virus shows that COVID-19 is spreading more rapidly in Oregon, according to the latest model released today by the Oregon Health Authority and the Institute for Disease Modeling.

The model, which is based on data through June 18, offers three projections — optimistic, moderate and pessimistic — predicting that daily case levels could rise as much as 20 percentage points.

The modeling assumes that hospitalizations from COVID-19 remain stable and testing remains at its present level of approximately 4,000 a day:

• The optimistic scenario with those assumptions suggests the previous modeling increase of June 11 was the result of higher testing and that case counts would remain stable at about 180 per day over the next month. This is the least likely scenario to occur because it assumes diagnosis of all new cases and presently about one-third of new infections cannot be traced to a known source.
• The moderate scenario suggests the rise in cases in the last modeling report was due to increased transmission and expanded testing — and that daily infections of COVID-19 could rise over the next month to more than 900 per day, with daily hospitalizations rising from 8 to 27.
• The most pessimistic scenario suggests the rise in cases in the last modeling report was due entirely to increased transmission and not expanded testing — and that infections could rise to more than 4,800, and hospitalizations could increase to 82 per day.

“We know that COVID-19 is in our communities,” said Dean Sidelinger, MD, Oregon state health officer. “This latest model provides us with a sobering reminder that we all need to guard against continued spread, especially as we continue to reopen and the weather gets warmer.”

Dr. Sidelinger said, “Think hard about your choice of activities, especially as we get close to the Fourth of July holiday. Ask yourself: how can I reduce my risk and the risk I might pose to people around me?” Do what you can to suppress the virus: Stay 6 feet away from other people. Wear a mask. Avoid large gatherings, and if you are in a group setting — like a holiday barbeque — stay outside, keep your distance and use a face covering when you’re not eating. Wash your hands frequently and stay home if you’re sick.

OHA uses this modeling for data analysis and planning purposes and releases it on a bi-weekly basis. The entire report can be found here.

Note: Dr. Dean Sidelinger will hold OHA’s regular weekly media briefing today at 11 a.m. To participate, media are invited to call 844-867-6163, participant code: 593699.

What we’re learning

Oregonians are at greater risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 than they have been since before Governor Kate Brown issued the first stay-at-home orders. Our latest projections show we are most likely heading toward the worst-case scenario we projected last week – approximately 900 new infections per day by the end of July.

COVID-19 cases have increased each week for four straight weeks statewide, and it is spreading faster in the community. While large workplace outbreaks have driven increased cases in recent weeks, sporadic cases (those with no clear link to another case) account for a growing percentage of new cases.

The severity of illness among new cases of COVID-19 is lower than it was early in the outbreak. Despite the increase in cases in the past four weeks, the number of hospitalizations and deaths remain well below their peaks. Emergency department visits due to symptoms of the disease are still below 1 percent.

More younger people are contracting COVID-19. The median age of people with newly diagnosed COVID-19 infection is declining as more cases are being diagnosed in people younger than 50 years of age.

Oregon’s health care system has not been overtaxed by COVID-19 cases – yet. However, hospital capacity could be overwhelmed this summer if cases continue to surge.

Each of us can take action to slow the spread of COVID-19

Cases will slow – and Oregon will remain open – if we take the safe, simple steps to prevent the virus from spreading. Cases will continue to surge if we ignore health and safety precautions.

Steps you can take:

• Avoid gatherings – and rethink your Fourth of July plans: Think hard about getting together with people outside your household. In Oregon, cases accelerated after Memorial Day. We don’t want the same thing to happen over the coming holiday.
• Stay 6 feet apart: If you do host or attend a gathering – or go to your local restaurant or bar – stay 6 feet apart. We’ve all been cooped up for a long time. We want to see friends and family again. If you do socialize, do it safely – maintain physical distancing.
  • Limit the number of people at the barbecue or picnic.
  • Make sure people can stay far enough apart.
  • Interact outside as much as possible.
• Wear a mask or face covering: Cover your face when you are in public. Masks and face coverings protect the people around you. You may feel great, but we know that people who are pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic can spread coronavirus. Don’t put the people you know and love at risk.
• Stay home if you’re sick: If you develop a fever, have a cough, start to experience shortness of breath or any other symptoms, stay home. Don’t expose other people.
• Answer the call: If you get a call from a contact tracer to let you know that you may have been exposed, take their advice and stay home for the entire time they recommend. This is a tried and true way to halt the spread, and we need people to answer these calls.

The bottom line is that COVID-19 is circulating more widely in Oregon. Oregon can stay safe if we all do our part to keep COVID-19 under control. If we don’t, our latest projections tell us we risk letting the virus spread fast across our state.

It’s simple: Wearing a face covering is one of the most effective things you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We know some people have concerns about face coverings. Oregon Health Authority has consulted with experts to ensure your safety. Here are some graphics to help bust some mask myths:

It’s been three months since the Eugene City Council approved City Manager Sarah Medary’s (no longer Pro Tem) administrative order on March 17, which declared a state of emergency during the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak in Lane County. So much was changing then that we started providing you with a weekly Community Update the next day, March 18.

Learn about the City of Eugene’s COVID-19 Emergency Operations Center. 

Eugene’s emergency declaration ended June 9. The City, Lane County and much of Oregon have entered the second phase in the gradual reopening of the economy. While the City of Eugene’s emergency declaration has expired, Lane County’s has not.

With City efforts moving from pandemic response to recovery, this Community Update will shift from a weekly email to a less-frequent schedule. Rest assured, we will continue to inform you of COVID-19 news in Eugene in future editions.

We have plenty of positive news to share in this Community Update, including the opening of City playgrounds and Amazon Pool, which have been closed because of the pandemic, and the resumption of some library services.

Here is the latest information on how the City continues to adjust programs and initiatives.

Parks and Open Space

Eugene Parks and Open Space is pleased to have reopened all playgrounds. The reopening of more than 50 playgrounds took place Friday, June 12 after receiving revised Phase 2 approval from the governor.

Playground equipment is not being sanitized by Parks staff. We recommend park visitors wash hands before and after visiting a playground, maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet and bring hand sanitizer and/or sanitizing wipes for personal use on any surfaces touched. Sand play areas remain closed.

Please stay home if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or may have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.

Learn more about City of Eugene Parks and Open Space.

Eugene Public Library

The Downtown Library book returns opened June 15 for limited hours: 7 a.m.- 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. The book returns at Bethel and Sheldon branches will remain closed. Items from any location may be returned Downtown. There is no need to rush to return items. All items now on loan have had their due dates extended to Sept. 14. No overdue fines will be charged during this time. Returned items will be quarantined before being loaned out again.

We will begin notifying cardholders with held items to ask them to make appointments for curbside pick up at their usual library location: Downtown, Bethel or Sheldon.

If your library card was already expired or has been blocked from use, if you do not have a library card or if you live in the Eugene area but outside City limits please call us (number below) and we can register you for free access to use online services during this time.

If you have questions, our staff is available to help by phone. Please call us at 541-682-5450 (seven days a week, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.). We are also available by email at libraryaskus@ci.eugene.or.us or live chat.

Eugene Recreation

Pools: Amazon Pool will soon be open! The pool will open June 22 for lap swim and on-your-own fitness only. Lap swimming and fitness will require prior lane registration to participate. Drop-ins will not be taken. Register for Your Time.

Do you have your Participant Card? We are now requiring all participants to register for a free participant card before activity registration. Get Your Participant Card 

We are hoping to have Sheldon Pool open with similar programming mid-July. We are hard at work planning how and when to safely add other programming. Thank you for your patience as we work out the details.

Summer Camps: Camps begin June 22. Camp registration filled quickly, but some spaces may be available, mainly in preschool camps. Check availability through the online registration website.

Evolving homelessness response

The City continues to work on finding solutions for those experiencing homelessness. We are proud to have worked with our partners to stand up multiple designated temporary shelter sites and to create outreach teams that spread out through our city to help those who needed it the most.

Microsites: As Eugene moved into Phase 2, the community centers and adjacent facilities are starting to offer more services, so longer-term locations had to be found to replace the Designated Temporary Shelter Sites. We placed some residents in existing programs including Rest Stops and Overnight Parking Programs. Others were placed into new locations called micro shelter sites, or microsites. The first microsite was created at Skinner City Farm. City staff are actively looking for more locations to expand this program.

These sites will provide transitional shelter to a small group of individuals. Up to six Conestoga huts, tents or vehicles are allowed under City Code 4.816. The sites will be managed by local social service providers who will oversee general upkeep to help ensure the health and safety of individuals at the site and minimize impacts to the surrounding area and neighborhood.

If you want to learn more about these micro shelter sites, please read about it here.

Portable Restrooms and Handwashing Stations: The City is removing some of the portable restrooms and handwashing stations placed throughout the community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Portable facilities were placed on public property earlier in the COVID-19 outbreak to enhance community hygiene and sanitation, thereby reducing the risk of spreading the virus.

The City will use a data-driven approach when deciding which restrooms and handwashing stations to remove first. The restrooms and washing stations people used least will be the first to be removed from service. Some portable restrooms may remain in high needs areas and restrooms in Parks have begun to reopen as well. An online map with the locations of the restrooms will be continuously updated, however there may be a delay in data entry.

Our response to helping people experiencing homelessness is evolving, and you can read about what we are changing on our website.

Recovery strategies

As part of the City’s reopening and recovery efforts, the Downtown Ambassadors will be re-opening Kesey Square to offer space for the public to sit, eat lunch and order food from downtown restaurants and food carts. The program started June 15, and tables and chairs will be out from 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and sanitized regularly, spaced 6-feet apart. We encourage people to wear masks when physical distancing is not possible. The City looks forward to welcoming the community back to downtown!

The public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have taken a serious toll on the Eugene economy, namely businesses and their employees. Businesses have had to change how they operate to keep their workers and their customers safe. The City is here to help. We’ve set up an email address that goes directly to the Business Help team: bizhelp@eugene-or.gov.

Read more on our website about how we are here to help.

Protecting yourself and others

As the state reopens, it’s important to remember the risks and to continue to do our best to protect ourselves and one another. If we all follow the established protocols, we will help save the lives of our colleagues, neighbors, friends and family members.

Find a list of actions to protect yourself and others on our website if you want to find out more about the ways you can help do your part.

Learn More About Reopening Oregon

See a list of Community Resources for physical and mental health, food, housing, businesses, employees, schools and children, as well as information in Spanish. Also learn how you can help.

Our partners have a significant amount of information available online. Please visit these resources for the most up to date information:

• • State of Oregon
  • Oregon Health Authority
  • Lane County
  • City of Eugene

Wearing a mask when you’re outside your home is so critically important to stopping the spread of coronavirus. It’s also a signal to family, friends, and neighbors that you’re doing what you can to take our collective public health seriously.

Here is a chart showing the risk of transmission and how a mask helps reduce the chance of spread.

Welcome to the first full week of Phase 2 of reopening in Lane County. The State approved Lane County to begin Phase 2 last Friday, and as we all figure out what that looks like across our community, we wanted to reiterate we are here to help.

Our website is full of resources for you, and we are continuously assessing City services and how to reopen programs and services that were closed during the early months of the pandemic. Phase 2 permits several new things, including larger gatherings, the reopening of pools, theaters, bowling alleys, arcades and other venues, the resumption of recreational, non-contact sports and extended hours for bars and restaurants.

Here is a rundown of how the City is adjusting some of its programs and initiatives.

Parks and Open Space

Eugene Parks and Open Space is reopening amenities as allowed by the Oregon Health Authority. Under the Stay Home, Save Lives order, visitors are still required to maintain 6 feet of physical distance between others.

Updates are coming in regularly from the State, so please stay tuned as new guidance is released. You can find a full list of what’s open in our system here.

Eugene Public Library

Beginning June 15, Eugene Public Library will restart two services that have been paused. The Downtown Library’s outside book returns will open for limited hours: 7:00am – 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday. No need to rush to return items, as all loans have been extended through summer and no fines will be charged.

The second service is cardholders with “held” items will be contacted to make appointments for curbside pick up. To get ready, library staff have located and prepared more than 5,000 items requested by Eugeneans.

While library buildings remain closed, e-books, streaming movies and other resources continue to be available and online-use cards are free for all in Eugene. We plan to restart services step by step in consultation with health officials and with safety as our highest priority. Check the Library’s website for ongoing updates or follow @euglibrary on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Questions? Assistance? Please give us a call at 541-682-5450, 10 am – 6 pm, Mon – Sat.

Eugene Recreation

Pools: We have heard from many of you wondering when our pools will reopen, and we are hard at work planning how and when to safely do so. Things will look a little different as we make modifications to align with Phase 2 guidelines for physical distancing and safety protocols, but we are excited to welcome you back soon. Thank you for your patience as we work out the details.

Childcare and Summer Camps: Childcare is now available at Sheldon, Petersen Barn and Amazon community centers until June 22. Children are in small groups, with physical distancing, sanitizing protocols and health checks all part of daily safety protocols. More childcare info.

We are also happy to announce summer camps will be offered this summer, which provide another critical community resource for parents. Registration for camps that start June 22 opened yesterday, and you can check to see if there are still available spots on Rec’s online registration website.

Please note new patron cards will be required. To streamline your registration, please sign up before you plan on signing up for any programs to prevent the chance of you missing out on getting a spot in a class.

Eugene Rec is hard at work planning for camp modifications to keep your kids safe and healthy including physical distancing, mask wearing and diligent sanitizing. Because these safety measures will include having smaller groups of campers, they expect enrollment capacity to be limited.

Stay tuned for another round of registration as the rest of Recreation begins offering classes for adults.

Evolving homelessness response

As more community services become available under Phase 2, the City is beginning a phased removal of some of the portable toilets and hand washing stations in parks and public rights-of-way.

Under Phase 2, the City will return to pre-COVID-19 camping rules for parks and right-of-way areas and begin the prioritized removal of the sanitary facilities when:

• Nearby encampments are cleaned up.
• Nearby public restrooms in parks are reopened.
• They no longer serve a nearby encampment.

• Portable toilets and hand washing stations in the downtown core will remain in place until the City’s Emergency Operations Center demobilizes or other City officials decide they are no longer needed.

Our response to helping people experiencing homelessness is evolving, and you can read about what we are changing on our website.

Recovery strategies

The public health measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have taken a serious toll on the Eugene economy, namely businesses and their employees. Businesses have had to change how they operate to keep their workers and their customers safe. The City is there to help. We’ve set up an email address that goes directly to the Business Help team: bizhelp@eugene-or.gov.

Read more on our website about how we are here to help.

Protecting yourself and others

As the state reopens, it’s important to remember the risks and to continue to do our best to protect ourselves and one another. If we all follow the established protocols, we will help save the lives of our colleagues, neighbors, friends and family members.

Find a list of actions to protect yourself and others on our website if you want to find out more about the ways you can help do your part.

As Oregon reopens, remember that COVID-19 is still in our communities

Oregonians need to continue to maintain physical distancing, wear face coverings where physical distancing cannot be maintained and follow good hand hygiene. We also ask you to answer the call if someone from local public health calls to let you know you may have come into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

Together, we have slowed the spread of COVID-19 and flattened the curve. We can continue to support our families and communities by following health and safety guidelines as Oregon reopens.

Learn More About Reopening Oregon

See a list of Community Resources for physical and mental health, food, housing, businesses, employees, schools and children, as well as information in Spanish. Also learn how you can help.

Our partners have a significant amount of information available online. Please visit these resources for the most up to date information:

• State of Oregon
• Oregon Health Authority
• Lane County
• City of Eugene

Effective June 7, LTD will begin operating on Sundays with a regular Sunday schedule for bus routes that are currently in operation. This is great news for community members that rely on bus transit for their sole transportation. Monday – Saturday service will continue to operate with the modified Sunday Schedule.