COVID levels are high in Lincoln County wastewater

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is reporting that the western half of the United States is seeing higher levels of COVID-19 in wastewater. Per Oregon Health Authority, Lincoln County is in the very high category for its risk of contracting and spreading the COVID-19 virus.

Why this matters

When people with COVID-19 use the bathroom, parts of the virus that aren’t alive end up in the wastewater. By checking the amount of virus content in wastewater, health officials can see if the virus is spreading more or less in a community.

In Lincoln County, each week wastewater samples from Lincoln City, Siletz, and Newport are collected and sent to Oregon State University to check for COVID virus levels. By testing wastewater, they can understand how common COVID might be in a specific community at a certain point in time. This then allows officials to raise awareness to try to prevent further spread.

Recent samples taken at the end of July show very high levels of COVID at all three sites, with Newport falling into the strong detection zone. Currently, the amount of virus in the local wastewater is higher than during the Omicron waves in 2021 and 2022. Samaritan Health Services is reporting an increase in the number of people they see testing positive for COVID. This, along with the wastewater data, shows that there is currently an increase in community transmission of the virus.

Who’s at risk of severe complications from COVID-19

• Older adults: People over 65 are at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19. The CDC reports that they are 97 times more likely to die from COVID than younger people (18-29 years old).

• People with health issues: People with other health problems have a higher risk of getting very sick from COVID.

• Living/working conditions: Some people may be more at risk of getting very sick or dying from COVID because of where they live or work, or because they can’t get health care.

How to stay safe

• Get your COVID-19 shot.

• Wash your hands often.

• Keep distance from others who are sick.

• Wear a mask.

• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.

If you have symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, or tiredness, stay home until you are better and fever-free for 24 hours. Wear a mask if you are around others.