Increasing COVID-19 hospitalizations compelled Lane County Public Health to issue emergency guidance Saturday.
Effective immediately and regardless of vaccination status, people are advised to wear masks indoors when near others not from their homes. Masks should be worn outdoors when it’s impossible to socially distance from others not from your immediate household.
People are also advised to avoid any unnecessary business or leisure travel, carry masks and hand sanitizer with them, and to wash their hands as much as possible. Furthermore, LCPH says to limit activities that could cause injury, requiring hospitalization.
And above all else, to get vaccinated if you haven’t already.
In a release, Lane County officials say hospitalizations from COVID-19 surpassed 100. All 62 I-C-U beds have been full for the past 48 hours, with half occupied by COVID-19 patients.
“While Lane County hospitals serve as a medical hub for several counties, the percentage of hospitalizations from Lane County is growing and now represents 75% of hospitalizations,” the release continues. Many attribute the spike to new variants of COVID-19, including the highly transmissible Delta variant which some Oregon officials say is behind nearly all cases now.
In an effort to counter the escalation of cases, LCPH has made the following recommendations for all Lane County residents effective immediately:
For individuals, regardless of vaccination status:
Additionally, the LCPH Administrator will bring a draft board order to the Lane County Board of County Commissioners sitting as the Lane County Board of Health (BOH) on August 24th. The second draft Emergency Public Health Advisory will add immediate recommendations for businesses, organizations, and employers to implement to curb ongoing community spread, defend dwindling hospital capacity in the county, and save lives.
LCPH says while the advisory won’t be presented until Tuesday, they’re calling on businesses, organizations, and event organizers to consider the following recommendations ASAP:
For businesses:
Public venue owners, operators and permitting authorities:
Employers:
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