Warm Springs police enforcing closure of access roads on reservation

Also patrolling for speeders on Hwy. 26

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- To help protect the health and safety of tribal members from the COVID-19 virus, the secretary-treasurer of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Michele Stacona, issued a memo on March 20, asking for tribal members to stay home and to limit exposure. 

The message is simple: "STAY HOME – SAVE LIVES!!," Warm Springs police Lt. Ron Gregory said Wednesday. 

The tribes have closed all tribal campgrounds, parks and lakes located within the boundaries of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. 

While some access is available to tribal members, access to these areas is prohibited to non-tribal members and the closures will be strictly enforced, Gregory said. 

Many of the access roads throughout the reservation are closed to the general public at this time, allowing minimal access to tribal members only.

With fewer cars on the roadways, there has been an increase in vehicle speeds on the highways, Gregory said. 

"The Warm Springs Police Department has increased patrols on Highway 26 in many of the outlying areas to help maintain the safety of our community," Gregory said. "Again, stay home!  If travel is necessary, please SLOW DOWN."