As the Chairman of the Fort Hall Business Council, I will strive to regularly communicate with tribal members throughout this coronavirus crisis. It is challenging to keep up with all the changing situations at the local, county and state levels. As of today, March 26, 2020, there are no confirmed cases of Tribal members having the virus.
The local, state and national situation is focused on responding to the devastating impacts of COVID-19. This is a fast moving situation, because only 2 weeks ago, there were no confirmed cases in Idaho, and as of 1.30 pm today, we have 148 cases in Idaho, and 3 deaths.
We are seeing more confirmed cases of the coronavirus come closer to our home in Fort Hall. It is our intent, to work seamlessly with the State of Idaho and the counties, along with our federal trustees, to more effectively protect our people and to respond to this global pandemic which is at the borders of our reservation.
We are seeing more confirmed cases of the coronavirus come closer to our home in Fort Hall. It is our intent, to work seamlessly with the State of Idaho and the counties, along with our federal trustees, to more effectively protect our people and to respond to this global pandemic which is at the borders of our reservation.
Although the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes is a sovereign government, we are directly impacted by COVID-19 and how the local counties and the state are addressing the issues. Therefore, the Business Council has issued a STAY AT HOME Order to all tribal members and residents of the Reservation.
Therefore, the Business Council has issued a STAY AT HOME Order to all tribal members and residents of the Reservation.
As the coronavirus rapidly spreads, we must take more protective measures. It will require everyone to comply with the stay at home order, travel restrictions, implementing personal sanitary actions, and to practice stringent efforts to maintain social/physical distance.
I cannot emphasize enough how important your individual actions are in protecting our tribe and our community. Please abide by the health care recommendations and don’t resist or argue against them. They are being issued for your own health.
The Idaho Governor reached out to the five tribes of Idaho to coordinate with the State a process to gain additional supplies, coordinate for medical testing, unemployment availability, waivers of state regulations to increase access for services. The Tribes will continue to work with state and federal agencies to ensure our tribal membership is protected from the coronavirus impacts.
A major issue is the lack of medical supplies for health care facilities. Here in Fort Hall, both Indian Health Services clinic and the HRSA clinic has requested additional medical supplies, but unfortunately, there is a nation-wide shortage of healthcare supplies. Our IHS and HRSA staff are our front line experts who are actively treating our people. Our medical staff in Fort Hall and in our surrounding area, medical centers need the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) more than community members.
As you know by now, the Business Council gave direction regarding the upcoming Primary Elections. The Early Voting scheduled on March 25 now is cancelled, and the Friday, March 27th Primary Elections was is postponed to Friday April 10th. This will give time to our Election Board to develop protective procedures for our voters. The Business Council recognizes the importance of maintaining our essential governmental functions, and as the Election Board unveils their new procedures, it will be released to the Tribal voters.
One encouraging point is to see our Tribal community working together, and seeing the power of social media being used on a positive manner. The local Facebook group “Fort Hall Quarantine” is proving that we can support each other in a positive effective manner. I encourage you all to take action immediately to protect our community.
Our top priority right now is the safety of our people. Right now in this time of uncertainty, it is important for community members to stay home, take a little time to look ahead and protect your families health.