COVID-19 clusters in long term care facilities and nursing homes represent the bulk of the outbreaks in Lane County. Public Health announced Thursday five new deaths from the virus, all people over the age of 75.
Of the 73 active COVID-19 outbreaks in the county, 44% of them are in these congregate living settings. Public Health spokesperson Jason Davis said four of the five most recent deaths are connected to known outbreaks.
Tracking transmission and community spread of the virus, he said it was only a matter of time.
“When COVID makes its way into a long care facility, one can expect to see deaths,” said Davis. “So unfortunately, that’s where we are as a community right now.”
Lane County Public Health does not announce the licensed care facilities where patients die with coronavirus. Davis confirmed Avamere Riverpark Rehabilitation Center in Eugene has seen the largest facility outbreak with at least 114 cases.