Covid-19 Community Update: 4 May

Warm Springs, OR May 4, 2020

PRESS RELEASE                           May 4, 2020

Contact:     Louie Pitt, Jr.

Director Government Affairs & Planning

Email:  louie.pitt@wstribes.org

Phones:  541-553-3540/541-777-1359

 

“As of 4:30p on 5/4/2020 – Warm Springs Health and Wellness Center has sent in or tested 198 test samples, with 186 Negative, 1 pending, 11 positive, 4 have recovered.  (7 tested or sent for testing today)  In addition, the STATE lab is taking 24-48 hours for results.”  Hyllis Dauphinais, Sr., CEO Warm Springs Health and Wellness Center

This is the start of week # 8 of our CoVID19 response.  The CoVID19 Response Team met with Warm Springs Tribal  Council this morning to recommend the following:

1.       All citizens to wear a face covering (mask) while in public places, where social distancing of six (6) feet or greater cannot be maintained.  Accepted by Tribal Council.

2.       All citizens of the CTWS and Employees working within the boundaries of the CTWS to self-isolate and quarantine as directed by healthcare professionals following a test result of negative or positive.  Essential employees (first responders) who have been tested with a negative result will have additional guidance about returning to work.  Accepted by Tribal Council

3.       Businesses within the Tribal jurisdiction and tribal enterprises should have spaces clearly marked with special distancing of six (6) feet on the floors or other means of a visual spacing.  Accepted by Tribal Council.

4.       It is the recommendation of the response team to agree with Oregon Health Authorities reporting of CoVid-19 results by ZIP Code.  Accepted by Tribal Council.

5.       Guidelines for more safety in traditional events, funeral and burials was put on HOLD by Tribal Council pending further consultation with the CTWS’ Culture and Heritage Committee and other religious leaders in the community.

6.       A recommendation to remain closed through May 29th, with the exception of ALL Essential workers who would return May 18th.  Additionally, 25% of the tribal staff would begin returning to work June 1st, another 25% on June 8th, June 15th and finally June 22nd with the GM’s determining what staff are to return and when.  This recommendation is contingent on test results and community safety.  If we continue to see positive cases in the community, this plan will be adjusted accordingly.  We need to ensure the safety of our community.  Other contingencies would include PPE for staff (face coverings), review of work areas to ensure the six (6) feet social distancing can be maintained and or cough/sneeze barriers are in place, along with other safety measures deemed necessary by the GMs in collaboration with Public Safety and environmental Health and Safety, as well as our community Public Health professionals.  Accepted by Tribal  Council.

Covid-19.542020

###