County Reports Low Positivity Rate After Free Testing

Lincoln County Public Health reports today that there were 6 positive tests out of

1140 or a positivity rate of 0.5% during the free testing events last week. The testing

sites were in Waldport, South Beach, Lincoln City, and Toledo. “We are grateful to have had this opportunity for our county, and clearly the community wanted to take advantage of this” said Florence Pourtal, Deputy Director of Public Health.

“These results are aligned with the trends we have seen in Lincoln County over the past few months. These results demonstrate that the LC communities have sustained the proper steps preventing the spread of COVID-19.” “It is encouraging to see that the exponential spread of COVID-19 that Oregon has been experiencing for the past few weeks has not hit Lincoln County yet,” added Florence. “However, this does not mean we can stop what we’re doing.

We all need the community to keep protecting others with wearing a mask and physically

distancing, staying home when sick, and washing your hands. Now is also the time

to get your flu shot to protect our healthcare system should we see a local surge in

COVID-19 cases this winter.” The tests were conducted the same week Oregon announced a two-week “freeze”.

As of Wednesday, November 18, there is an order in place limiting gatherings to 6

people in no more than 2 households and closing in-person dining, among other

limitations. Lincoln County Public Health urges Lincoln County residents to follow

the orders and make plans now to adjust or cancel your traditional holiday

gatherings.

This week Oregon reached record high COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Oregon. In September, we were seeing 200 to 300 new cases a day but by mid-November new daily cases were over 1,000. These numbers are concerning especially as we move into the winter

holiday season when we spend more time inside and traditionally celebrate with family and friends.

In Lincoln County over the weekend showed 8 new cases Friday, Saturday and Sunday and the week prior we had 27 new cases ( November 14-20). Lincoln County now has 565 positive cases, 25 hospitalizations, 11,610 negative cases and the deaths in Lincoln County remain at 13.

Social gatherings continue to act as a catalyst for COVID-19 transmission so this week two statewide efforts are in effect to reduce the spread. On Wednesday last week started a two-week statewide freeze which limits social gatherings and adds restrictions on our local businesses. Second, a West Coast travel advisory was issued asking Oregonians to stay local and avoid non-essential travel to other states or countries.

The high rates of COVID-19 infection in the US and Oregon are happening right when we are entering holiday and flu season. As family and friends gather for the holidays, flu activity is increasing. There are many reasons to get a flu vaccine. It can reduce your risk of flu and its potentially serious complications.

It also can reduce the severity of your illness, even if you still get sick. However, flu vaccination isn’t just about keeping you healthy; it’s also about helping to protect everyone around you who are at risk for severe flu symptoms. And this year, getting the flu shot can help keep our hospital beds available for those with severe COVID-19.