Lane County Public Health announced Friday, at least 6,028 residents have tested positive since the first cases of the novel coronavirus were diagnosed in mid-March. Since then, case numbers have increased exponentially. On Friday, state labs confirmed an outbreak at the Eugene Mission adding to the county's case count.
The homeless shelter in Eugene has been notified that 68 residents and 1 staff member tested positive for COVID-19. Public Health reports the facility is working closely with health officials to slow the spread. This is the largest single outbreak within a homeless congregate setting in Lane County thus far.
The county's death toll also continues to steadily increase. Authorities said an 80th resident has died from the virus. According to Public Health records, 61% of the deceased are between the ages of 70 and 89 years old.
Currently, 40 people are hospitalized- with 9 patients in the Intensive Care Unit. On Monday, PeaceHealth will begin administering Lane County’s first doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccinations. They will be given to hospital caregivers at RiverBend Medical Center in Springfield.
