Church leaders call for a state of emergency declaration for Lane County

Church leaders call for a state of emergency declaration for Lane County.

Now to the growing crisis over coronavirus.

Tonight...some church leaders are asking lane county to declare a state of emergency... even though we haven't had a case of covid 19 yet.

There's one new case in oregon today... bringing the number to 15.

It's a man, between the ages of 55 and 74, in multnomah county.

Health officials are still waiting for test results from 67 people.

And, 232 are being monitored.

Kezi 9 news reporter emma withrow spoke to some of the clergy that drafted the request about why they feel it's needed.

Emma: today the lane county board of commissioners responded to the letter, signed by 14 different clergy members across the county, and told them they will not declare a state of emergency unless there is a confirmed case.

But a minister i spoke with today says it's better to prepare before the virus hits rather than after.

Reverand adam briddell, of first united methodist church in eugene, tells me he signed this letter addressed to the lane county board of commisioners because he believes our county needs to act now, "we know this is coming, so we should take advantage of that and declare a state of emergency sooner rather than later."

Briddell says declaring a state of emergency would allow non profit organizations such as churches to eventually recieve federal funds to purchase supplies to aid to the homeless and elderly..

Reverend jessica connor agrees.

Jc: "it's going to take a preventative state of emergency to truly address the problem of making sure our most vulnerable populations stay safe, and we know in public health you're only as safe as your most vulnerable people" the lane county board of commisioners said they will not declare a state of emergency unless there is at least one confirmed case of coronavirus here.

Coming up at 6 we'll hear about why the clergy at first united methodist church say some people, such as the homeless, don't have the ability to follow the guidelines issued by the centers for disease control.

Reporting in eugene emma