THREE NEW COVID-19 CASES ON THE FORT HALL RESERVATION

IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

July 21, 2020

THREE NEW COVID-19 CASES ON THE FORT HALL RESERVATION

Fort Hall- As of today, the Tribal Office of Emergency Management (TOEM) officially reports three (3) new COVID-19 positive cases, bringing the total to 24 positive cases on the Fort Hall Reservation, 17 recovered, and 1 confirmed death. This brings the total of Tribal members that have or had the COVID19 to 42 individuals. Test results are officially compiled and reported by the Fort Hall Indian Health Services Unit (I.H.S) and Community Health Center (HRSA). 

The following information was provided on the 3 new positive individuals: 

• Minor, contracted by a transmission from a positive case, individual is home self-quarantined.

• Minor, contracted by transmission from a positive case, individual is home self-quarantined.

• Adult female, contracted by transmission from a positive case, individual is home self-quarantined. 

According to Tribal Health officials, if you are contacted by a ‘Contract Tracer’, the individual will be instructed to isolate and schedule a testing immediately.  COVID symptoms include a fever (temperature 100.4 or higher), cough, shortness of breath, headache, muscle and body aches, sore throat, fatigue/extreme tiredness, GI symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), and loss of taste and smell. Each of our Tribal health centers, including I.H.S, Tribal Health and HRSA have tribal contact tracers actively monitoring positive individuals. Due to the increase of positive cases, Contract Tracers are being hired at HRSA and Tribal Health. 

We encourage families to help ‘do your part’ by communicating with your loved ones to take action on implement good habits to prevent the spread of germs, here are some helpful tips:

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay at home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Call your medical provider.

2. WEAR FACE MASKS!

3. Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing or have been in a public place (Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue). If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

4. Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.

5. Clean and disinfect your home frequently touched objects and surfaces.

6. Avoid Public Gatherings (Recommendation from CDC is 10 people or less, this includes birthday gatherings, family BBQ’s, meetings, etc.).

7. Avoid all non-essential Travel.

For any health concerns, please call Fort Hall Indian Health Service (I.H.S) at 208-238-5400 (Monday-Friday, 8-5PM) or Community Health Resource Center (HRSA) 208-478-3987. Please note there has been an increase of phone calls, so please be patient with both health facilities. For tribal resources check out the Tribes COVID19 website at www.sbtribes.com and click on COVID19. For general questions on Idaho COVID-19, call the Hotline at 1-888-330-3010.

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Note: the Fort Hall COVID19 Chart is updated weekly by TOEM/PIO. Last updated today, July 21, 2020 at 12:10PM.