All Portland Acts To Curb Influenza

• There has been an “apparent” slight decrease in influenza over the past few days but city officials, business owners, and the police are remaining vigilant. • There have been at least 115 deaths as a result of the epidemic. A few additional deaths could be added to that total but their origins are not clear. • There have been 1,977 influenza cases total so far. • Yesterday there were 199 new cases. • Outside of Portland, there are an estimated 5,000 cases and seventy-five deaths. • The demand for the preventative serum has surpassed the supply. Today, between 10:00 – 12:00, there will be 5,000 first doses available.• The advertising of special sales has been reduced a great deal. • The public has begun to heed the health authorities warnings about not making non-essential trips. • Streetcars are not allowed to be overloaded and all windows must be kept open at all times. • Crowds are dispersed when they gather. • Mayor Baker allowed the circulation room of the library to be opened as long as special restrictions are followed. No chairs are allowed in the room and no “loafing” will be tolerated. All patrons getting books must stand at least five feet apart while queuing. • The general wearing of gauze masks is being considered. Dr. Parrish is against the wearing of masks in the street, believing that fresh air is far more beneficial than any mask would be. • Masks can be purchased at the Fifth street location of the Red Cross. • Superintendant Grout announced that the school day will be lengthened by forty minutes when schools open again. This measure is an attempt to make up for as much time lost during the influenza epidemic as possible. • Portland druggist William F. Woodward suggests placing a pan of water near a radiator, fireplace, register, or any other heating device to increase the humidity indoors and prevent colds. • The National Hospital Association announced that it will inoculate its members with anti-influenza serum free of charge. • Boarding students at Hill Military Academy were inoculated against influenza yesterday. No day students are allowed in the school. • Of the 132 deaths reported to the city health bureau, it is believed that 83 were due to influenza. • The names, occupations, and ages of the recently deceased are reported, along with their date of death.Newspaper article1