TESTING UPDATE

Lane County has nine (9) positive COVID-19 test results and one suspected COVID-19 death (1) as of 0800 on March 27.

Lane County Public Health (LCPH) was notified of another positive test result for COVID-19.  This makes a total of nine (9) positive tests in Lane County. 

The resident man in his 60s who lives in a private residence in Eugene-Springfield. He is currently hospitalized and is in stable condition.

Individuals who had contact with this community member will be contacted by Lane County Public Health so they can work with their health care provider on next steps. Communicable disease investigations are currently happening. If a public contact exposure point is identified, that information will be shared with the public.

A total of 424 tests have been conducted for Lane County residents. Please note: this number is likely below the actual number of tests conducted. Private labs are processing tests from Lane County residents and there is variability in reporting of negative results. Lane County Public Health is being notified of any positive test results.

DAILY KEY MESSAGES

Leaders Urge All to Stay Home and Save Lives:

Springfield Mayor Christine Lundberg, Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis and Lane County Board of Commissioners Chair Heather Buch will share updates on COVID-19 response, as well as urge all community members to stay home and save lives.

New Positive Test Result:

Lane County Public Health (LCPH) was notified this afternoon of another positive test result for COVID-19.  This makes a total of eight (8) positive tests in Lane County. 

The resident is a woman in her 50s who lives in a private residence in Eugene-Springfield. She is currently at home, following all LCPH recommendations, and is medically stable.

Communicable disease investigations are underway. If a public contact exposure point is identified, that information will be shared with the public.

Please note: Lane County is holding virtual-only press conferences. The press conferences will livestream on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LaneCountyGovernment. 

PREVENTION INFORMATION

Stay home. Save lives.

Effective on March 24, 2020, Oregon Governor Kate Brown is requiring people to stay home except for essential needs. The intent of Executive Order 20-12 is to ensure the maximum number of people self-isolate in their places of residence to the maximum extent feasible.

Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions, must stay home. All community members should stay home except to perform essential duties for business continuity or government functions, to get food, care for a relative or friend, get necessary health care, or perform activities related to maintaining a healthy lifestyle during this time.

It is okay to go outside for walks if you are not in a group and practice proper social distancing. It is not okay to travel to another community, including the Oregon Coast, in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

The Executive Order is in effect until terminated by the Governor.

We encourage everyone to make use of technology (FaceTime, video calls, and other tools) to stay in touch with loved ones. 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.

We recommend all residents take everyday precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory illness, including while they are at home:

• 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.