TESTING UPDATE

Lane County has fifty-seven (57) positive COVID-19 test results and two (2) suspected COVID-19 deaths as of 0800 on May 5. At least 4,900 tests have been conducted for Lane County residents.*  

The new case is a person in their 50s from Eugene-Springfield (private residence) who is recovering at home.

*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

Lane County Board of Commissioners Chair Heather Buch, Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis and Springfield Mayor Christine Lundberg will each share an update regarding the work to create a blueprint to reopen Lane County. The updates will include how Lane County’s blueprint fits in with the State’s draft plan, as well as information for businesses and individuals.

PRESUMPTIVE CASE REPORTING:

Lane County is now including presumptive cases in its reporting. Presumptive cases are people without a positive PCR test who have COVID-19-like symptoms and had close contact with a confirmed case. Though not confirmed by a positive diagnostic test, presumptive cases have a high likelihood of having COVID-19 because of the specific nature of the symptoms and known exposure.

Lane County currently has no presumptive cases.

ZIP CODE DATA:

Changes in State-level reporting have now made ZIP code-related COVID-19 data available. ZIP codes with fewer than 10 COVID-19 cases will be reported has having “1–9” cases; all other case counts will be reported. Case counts from ZIP codes with fewer than 1,000 residents will be aggregated into one number. Importantly, geographical reports of disease such as tabulation by ZIP code can be misleading because ZIP codes do not have uniform populations. Furthermore, place of residence does not necessarily represent the place where COVID-19 is acquired.

In order to protect patient privacy while expanding access to case location, Lane County will stop reporting the sex of individual cases. All cases will be reported by age range, medical status, and approximate location. A ZIP code map will be available at  www.lanecountyor.gov/coronavirus beginning as soon as today.

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 physical 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.
• Consider wearing a mask when you leave your home.
• 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.