Rachael McDonald

The Oregon Veterans’ Home announced late Saturday that another one of their residents has died. The resident tested positive for COVID-19 on March 22 and had underlying medical conditions. 

Lane County Public Health officials say healthy individuals do not need to wear masks, despite some conflicting opinions.

Lane County is hoping to get shipments of a new rapid test for COVID-19 as soon as next week. The Abbott test was developed by a company in California. 

The City of Eugene has added more public bathrooms and handwashing stations around the city. It’s an effort to help people prevent the spread of COVID-19 by washing their hands frequently.

The number of coronavirus cases in Oregon is on the rise and could peak in May, says the Lane County Public Health Officer.

The coronavirus pandemic has hit a Veterans’ Home in Lebanon hard. Monday , the Oregon Health Authority announced a 2nd death there to COVID-19, and there are more than 30 positive cases among the residents and staff. But, people from all over are sending messages of comfort.

Oregon has 268 known cases of the novel coronavirus as of Wednesday afternoon, according to the Oregon Health Authority.  The actual number of cases is believed to be higher given the lack of tests available.

Governor Kate Brown’s executive order Monday telling people to stay home, could help flatten the curve for coronavirus in the state. 

Lane County Health officials say a staff member at Eugene 4J School District was in direct contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19.

Health officials are reporting what they say is the first suspected death from COVID-19 in Lane County. The 60-year old woman died Saturday, March 14th at PeaceHealth Medical Center in Springfield. 

In light of emergency declarations by federal and state leaders in response to the coronavirus outbreak, officials in Lane County sought to reassure the public Friday morning.

Oregon is closing schools and banning mass gatherings, as concerns about the new coronavirus spread. Governor Kate Brown says schools will close statewide from March 16th through March 31st, due to staffing challenges and health concerns.

As of Wednesday morning, there are no known cases of COVID-19 in Lane County, but health officials announced a new measure to prevent its spread. It recommends people who are 60 years or older and those with pre-existing health conditions avoid large gatherings. 

The Oregon Health Authority is working on guidelines on large public gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
 

Oregon U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, this week, filed to run for re-election. In a tweeted campaign announcement, Merkley said he wants to put America back on track.

Springfield has chosen a new City Manager. Nancy Newton was extended an offer this week. She’s currently the Assistant Executive for Sacramento County in California. 

A law conference that has been held at the University of Oregon for 38 years has been cancelled due to concerns over coronavirus. The Public Interest Environmental Law Conference was set to take place this week. 

There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus yet in Lane County, but officials say they expect it to show up here in the coming weeks.