Health officials give updates on COVID-19 outbreaks, college-age cluster

Lane County health officials shared Tuesday that there has been a total of 56 COVID-19 outbreaks, since the pandemic began at the end of February.

210 are considered infectious.

Health officials in lane county say college kids make up about 26 percent of coronavirus cases.

We begin our team coverage live with kezi 9 news reporter kennedy dendy to explain why they're having such a tough time getting them to follow guidelines.

Kennedy?

Matt, renee-- there's been 368 total covid-19 cases on the u of o's campus since june 1st&.

20 this week alone.

And as health officials have warned*everyone to stay on top of mask use and social distancing...they say there's been one cluster in need of some extra reminders.

Jason davis says it's important to recognize*where covid-19 outbreaks are coming from.

The county has seen a total of 56 outbreaks so far.

Workplace outbreaks are increasing.

They make up about 28 percent of cases.

26.

3 percent of cases are from the u of oh.

Davis says students are worried about getting in trouble if they test positive for covid-19 or getting their*friends in trouble if they identify them as an exposure.

Others are concerns about being in isolation and becoming identifiable.

"no one should be getting in trouble simply because of a diagnosis.

It's really the behavior, i think, the university is looking at and certainly lane county public health is looking at.

Once you're sick, our priority is making sure the case stops with you."

Davis says that*also goes for those in certain ethnic minority groups who are worried about testing positive and being susceptible to deportation or getting reported to*ice.

He says that none of that is true, and the county's focus is on health and preventing the spread of covid-19.

Coming up in the 6 o clock hour, hear from one resident who says*wearing a mask during times like this shouldn't be up for discussion.

Live in eugene,