Warm Springs reports 11th COVID-19 case; tribal council accepts recommendations

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- An 11th COVID-19 case was confirmed Monday on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, officials said as the Tribal Council accepted several recommendations on dealing with the outbreak.

Of the tests conducted so far on the reservation, 186 have come back negative and one is pending, while four people have recovered, said Hyllis Dauphinais, Sr., CEO of the Warm Springs Health and Wellness Center.

The following recommendations were accepted by the Tribal Council:

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.  

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.  

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.  

4.       It is the recommendation of the response team to agree with Oregon Health Authority's reporting of COVID-19 results by ZIP Code.  

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.  

In an unrelated matter, the tribes issued a boil-water notice Monday for the Schoolie Flats area due to a loss of pressure in its water system. Officials said that occurred due to excessive use of potable water for livestock purposes, an ongoing issue due to the area's small reservoir. Booster pumps will be run 24/7 to bring the reservoir back up to safe levels.