This document was published April 20, 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 Raised to High Risk Category - Begins Friday, April 23
Oregon’s Risk and Protection Framework uses data to help inform safety measures at the county level. Every two weeks, Governor Kate Brown’s office announces the revised risk status of each county based on current data. Lane County has been raised into the high risk category for the two-week period beginning April 23.
With the increased risk level comes new guidance including what is allowed for indoor activities such as dining, gyms, entertainment establishments and faith institutions. See Oregon Health Authority’s guidance for activities at each risk level.
With COVID-19 cases on the rise again, it's important to answer the call from contact tracers at Lane County Public Health. Keeping individuals informed of exposure is one of the many tools we can use to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Contact tracing calls come from a number beginning with 541-682-XXXX, and contact tracers will leave a message if the phone has a voicemail box.
Vaccines Available to Everyone Ages 16+
As of Monday, April 19, COVID-19 vaccines are available to everyone ages 16 and older in Oregon.
Lane County residents can schedule a vaccine appointment directly by visiting the Lane County COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics web page. 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.
Hear from Mayor Lucy Vinis about vaccinations and protecting our community.
Community Update Email Schedule Changing
Now that vaccines are available to everyone ages 16 and older, we will no longer send community update emails every two week. Lane County Public Health is the lead health agency in our area and we encourage you to check their COVID-19 website and social media pages for the most accurate information.
We’ve appreciated the opportunity to share the latest COVID-19 information to your email inbox as well as stories about community recovery. We will continue to share information on social media and will provide further updates as needed through email.
Check out these resources for COVID-19 information to keep yourself and your loved ones safe:
COVID-19 Community Survey Results
A representative survey of Eugeneans conducted late last year reveals that while the pandemic has significantly impacted our community emotionally and financially, people in Eugene stepped up to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect each other from the virus. The Eugene City Council reviewed and discussed the survey results at their Work Session on Wednesday, April 14.
Notable emotional and financial impacts include:
- According to the survey, four out of ten (45%) of residents are experiencing emotional distress as a result of COVID‐19.
- Results also showed that access to mental health services may be more difficult for those with lower incomes. Those reporting lower incomes were more likely to not be able access mental health services when needed.
- Twenty‐seven percent (26.9%) of Eugene residents indicated their financial situation has worsened as a result of the COVID‐19 outbreak. For many this has meant reduced work hours, decreased sales, postponed projects or contracts, or losing a job. The food service industry was the top industry in which people reported losing jobs.
- One out of ten (10%) residents had trouble paying for necessities (rent/mortgage, food, utilities, etc.) during the pandemic and thirteen percent (13%) think they will have problems paying for necessities.
Learn more and see the full report.
Follow the Four
Help us reduce 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
Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People:
Previous Community Update
April 7, 2021 Community Update