More COVID-19 workplace clusters could be announced in Lane County, according to a public health official. Individual non-compliance with safety protocols and possible airborne transmission could behind the increase in cases found in the workplace.
Last week, The Niles Gentleman's Club was identified as a workplace cluster with five staff members testing positive for COVID-19. On Monday, the Eugene Water and Electric Board was also identified as a workplace cluster with eight staff members testing positive.
Now, Lane County Public Health spokesperson Jason Davis told KLCC several workplaces are on the verge of being announced.
"That doesn’t mean that the organization itself is laxing, it means that [individuals] are making that choice maybe not to wear their mask, or are doing things that are not keeping in mind the fact that we have exponential increase in cases,” Davis said.
But, despite the best efforts of some organizations, Davis said employees have become infected anyway, meaning airborne transmission could be contributing to spread.
The Centers for Disease Control updated their guidance on Monday acknowledging the virus could potentially linger in the air, specifically in enclosed spaces that are poorly ventilated.
“We have folks who are doing everything right and then just by virtue of the fact that potentially this virus can hang in the air longer than we had previously anticipated, we’re seeing transmission occur,” Davis said.
The possibility of airborne transmission means people should do what they can to mitigate spread and avoid non-essential gatherings, Davis added.
The CDC suggests practicing social distancing, wearing a face mask, washing hands, sanitizing surfaces, ventilation, and avoiding crowded in-door spaces.
Copyright 2020 KLCC
