Warm Springs COVID-19 cases rise to 8

(Update: No new cases Wednesday, but now 53 results pending)

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Warm Springs Indian Reservation's number of COVID-19 cases has risen to eight, tribal officials said late Tuesday as they urged residents to wear face coverings while in public spaces.

The Warm Springs Health and Wellness Center has sent in or tested 120 test samples, with eight positive cases, twice the number reported last week, as well as 96 negative results and 16 tests still pending, officials said.

Wednesday evening, the tribes' update held at eight cases, but said 179 test samples had been taken and 118 were negative, with 53 still pending.

"During recent meetings between CTWS Tribal Council members and the Warm Springs COVID-19 Health Team, the need for more protection at tribal traditional events such as funerals was mentioned," according to Tuesday evening's news release.

The seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic was demonstrated by the loss last week of Yakama tribal member and Celilo Village leader Bobby Begay, officials noted.

Wellness center CEO Hyllis Dauphinais, Sr., said, “Now that we have positive cases, and we have been able to build a small inventory of donated cloth masks, I believe it is prudent and time to ask our community to start wearing a cloth face-covering while in the public spaces, especially when social distancing is not possible – 6 foot distance.”

Tribal members were urged to review guidelines from Center for Disease Control, U. S. Department of Health and Human Services:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/tribal/faq-burial-practice.html

"Protection of life and the living is a foundation of teachings from our tribal elders and spiritual leaders," the tribes' announcement said, urging members to review this link for the importance of face masks:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-faq.html

The announcement continued, "The Warm Springs COVID-19 Health team respect and honor our traditions that got us here and understand the past battles and challenges to our tribal ways of life that our ancestors weathered."

"Today we have a deadly attacker -- the coronavirus 19. As we have done in the past, we must face the situation, figure out the nature of the threat and bravely protect our people," the statement concluded, adding, "STAY HOME, SAVE LIVES."

Here's the rest of Wednesday's update:

Following yesterday’s report of 4 new positive cases, a reminder about the procedures that helps the health center do it’s job and meets the needs of the community.  “The health center really needs the support of the community to continue to follow established protocols – For CoVID19 related questions or concerns – Please call our Nurse Triage Line before coming to the Clinic.  Here are a few reminders:

If you or a loved one is concerned about a possible exposure to someone who tested positive, we need you to call the Nurse Triage Line at 541-553-5512 or after hours Nurse Advice Line:  886-470-2015.

If you have been tested and your result was Negative, we are asking you to self-quarantine for up to 14 days and monitor yourself by taking you own temperature 2-times per day and if greater than 100.4 – Call the Nurse Triage Line and report your symptoms.  Other monitoring should include cough or shortness of breath, as well as other symptoms you are experiencing.  See CDC.gov for a list of symptoms or Call the Nurse Triage Line at 541-553-5512.

If you are an essential employee and working – First Responder, please make sure the healthcare team member you speak to is aware of your status as a firsts responder within the community (EMT, PD, Utilities, etc.).

Patients that have been tested Negative or Positive will continue to receive outreach (daily phone calls) from our nursing staff. “  CoVID-19 Brief & Update, H. Dauphinais, Sr.

Please call ahead to the Warm Springs Health and Wellness Center to assist in avoiding the traffic flow issues.

The Warm Springs COVID-19 Health team is gathering information on funeral guidelines that honor tradition and protect our community as well as educating about importance of face masks.