Lane County Lowered to Moderate Risk Category - Begins Friday, March 12
Oregon’s Risk and Protection Framework uses data to help inform safety measures at the county level. Every two weeks, Governor Kate Brown’s office announces the revised risk status of each county based on current data. Lane County has lowered into the moderate risk category for the two-week period beginning March 12.
With the reduced risk level comes new guidance including what is allowed for indoor activities such as dining, gyms, entertainment establishments and faith institutions. See Oregon Health Authority’s guidance for activities at each risk level.
Follow the Four
Help us remain at a lower risk level by continuing to follow these important recommendations:
- Stay six feet apart
- Wear a mask (see CDC’s recent tips on how to improve your mask fit)
- Wash Your hands
- Avoid large gatherings
Lane County Starting to Receive and Distribute Third Vaccine
The federal government recently issued an Emergency Use Authorization for Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine, making it the third COVID-19 vaccine available for use in the United States including Pfizer and Moderna. The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, which includes Oregon, also completed its review of the federal process and has concluded the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for use in the western states.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is the first single-dose vaccine against COVID-19. It can be stored in a refrigerator for months, making it easier to distribute and transport without the need for ultra-cold storage. Due to these considerations, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is uniquely qualified to be used with difficult to reach populations, including those that are hard to schedule for a second dose or require a mobile strike team. Lane County has started to use the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for mobile vaccination efforts.
Lane County Vaccine Pre-Registration and Scheduling an Appointment
If you haven’t already done so, you can fill out Lane County Public Health’s pre-registration for vaccination, available to all members of the public. Pre-registration will help create a centralized database to help health partners countywide contact those who wish to be vaccinated and schedule an appointment when they are eligible. If you have a friend or loved one who does not have internet access or has difficulty navigating the internet, we encourage you to help by assisting them in preregistering online. The contact information field on the form only requires email OR phone. If someone does not have an email address the field can be left blank as long as a phone number is listed.
If you are unable to complete the online form you can also preregister by phone by calling 541-682-1380 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, but please use the online form if possible.
- You will receive an invitation from Lane County Public Health when an appointment is available for you to schedule. Remember to check your SPAM folder for any scheduling messages. Please follow instructions for your vaccine appointment and show up on the date, time, and location as scheduled.
- It is important to remember that Lane County will continue to follow Oregon Health Authority eligibility guidelines and the timeline to receive your vaccination will depend on supply. To date, 31,822 people have received their first dose and 34,261 are considered fully vaccinated after their second dose. Sign up to receive email updates from Lane County Public Health about vaccine availability and distribution.
Commercial Rent Relief to Help Small Businesses Behind on Lease Payments
As of March 8, Oregon commercial building owners can now apply for grants to help them cover outstanding lease payments from small business tenants that are behind on rent because of COVID-19. Grants are available up to $100,000 per business tenant lease and $3 million total per landlord. The landlord must agree not to evict the tenant for six months and waive any rights to collect outstanding penalties or interest, or enforce eviction clauses related to the delinquent lease payments between March 1, 2020 and Feb. 28, 2021.
Both the business tenant and property owner will need to participate in the application process and sign the grant agreement, but the initial application needs to be completed by the landlord.
Visit our Business Support webpage for more information on this program and other financial relief.
Free PPE for Eugene Nonprofit and Small Businesses Opens for Second Round of Distribution
Businesses and non-profits are allowed to request a second appointment for PPE. The City of Eugene, in partnership with Business Oregon, continues to offer free personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies to nonprofit and small businesses located in Eugene with 100 or fewer employees.
Businesses can book their appointments online as long as spots are still available. We will add new appointments as the current schedule is filled.
We currently have a supply of disposable masks and antiseptic wipes. Our supply of gloves has run out. Supplies will be dispersed on a first come, first served basis. Appointments will continue to be available until we have run out of supplies, please check our website for a current list of available supplies.
COVID-19 Resources
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:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- State of Oregon
- Oregon Health Authority
- Lane County Public Health
Lane County Call Center: Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., 541-682-1380
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