This document was published April 7, 2021. For the most up to date information on the City’s work related to COVID-19, please visit our COVID-19 (Coronavirus) web page.
This update provides information on the latest City activities and links to more information. For health and safety information about COVID-19 including confirmed cases and testing data, please visit Lane County Public Health or Oregon Health Authority’s websites.
Lane County Cases on the Rise
Lane County’s COVID-19 cases are on the rise, serving as a reminder about the importance of remaining vigilant and taking precautions to limit the spread of the virus in our community. As of April 6, Lane County qualified to move back up to Moderate Risk, but was given a two-week caution period at Lower Risk because it moved down from Moderate Risk in the last movement period. Read more about Oregon’s Risk and Protection Framework.
By taking action now, we have the potential to limit the spread of the virus and reduce the number of positive cases in our community. This action includes things we all know like washing our hands, staying home when we’re sick, wearing our face mask, and avoiding large gatherings.
If we do return to a higher risk level, there will be new guidance for indoor activities such as dining, gyms, entertainment establishments, faith institutions and more. See Oregon Health Authority’s guidance for activities at each risk level.
Free COVID-19 Testing
If you traveled over spring break, or just want peace of mind, it’s a good time to get tested. The University of Oregon COVID-19 Monitoring and Assessment Program (MAP) is offering free COVID-19 testing to asymptomatic individuals ages 3 and over in Lane County. Appointments are available Tuesdays through Fridays. Register online by 5 p.m. the night before.
Vaccine Eligibility Updates
Group 7 Now Eligible
Last week, Lane County announced that everyone in Phase 1B, Group 7 is now eligible to receive a vaccination. This group includes:
- Adults 16 and over with underlying health conditions
- Frontline workers as defined by the CDC
- Family members of frontline workers
- Multigenerational household members
See details about the eligibility groups including an expanded list of underlying conditions.
All Oregonians Over 16 Eligible April 19
Additionally, Governor Brown announced on Tuesday that all Oregonians over the age of 16 will be eligible to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine on April 19.
Lane County residents who are currently eligible can schedule a vaccine appointment directly by visiting the Lane County COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics web page. The preregistration requirement was removed and there is no longer a need to wait for an email invitation from Lane County Public Health to schedule an appointment. You can also schedule an appointment at one of many local pharmacy providers. See links to participating pharmacies. Take the first appointment available to you whether from Lane County, your primary care provider or your pharmacy.
Post-Vaccine Guidance
COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick. Based on what we know about COVID-19 vaccines, people who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic.
We’re still learning how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19. After you’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you should keep taking precautions in public places like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces until we know more.
People are considered fully vaccinated:
- 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, like the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or
- 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, like Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine
If it has been less than 2 weeks since your shot, or if you still need to get your second dose, you are NOT yet receiving all the protective benefits of the vaccine. Keep taking all prevention steps until you are fully vaccinated.
Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People
Follow the Four
Help us remain at a reduced risk level by continuing to follow these important recommendations:
- Stay six feet apart
- Wear a mask (see CDC’s recent tips on how to improve your mask fit)
- Wash your hands
- Avoid large gatherings
COVID-19 Resources
See a list of Community Resources for physical and mental health, food, housing, businesses, employees, schools and children, as well as information in Spanish.
Also learn how you can help. Our partners have a significant amount of information available online. Please visit these resources for the most up to date information:
Previous Community Update
March 23, 2021 Community Update