IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5, 2020
Weekly COVID-19 update for week of May 5, 2020

The Incident Commander works daily with the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team, and here is this week’s update:

• The EOC/Incident Commander is working diligently in securing needed supplies, including masks, gloves and hand sanitizer for Tribal governmental needs. Due to high demand nationwide to secure PPE, the EOC is gradually receiving orders, including masks, thermometers, and gloves.
• Fort Hall Business Council has extended Safety Leave and Stay at Home Order until May 8, 2020. Employees are asked to stay in touch with your supervisors for further details and information. Other employment-related questions should be directed to the Personnel Department at (208) 478-3850.
• Currently, the HRSA Community Clinic is conducting tests for essential departments, such as Fort Hall Police, Fire/EMS, Fish and Game, and Corrections. As of Tuesday, May 5th, 60 individuals were tested and all COVID-19 testing results were negative. Health care workers and Tribal Enterprises will be tested next. Please note that testing is only a current snap shot of employee health status.
• Fort Hall Indian Health Services Not-Tsoo Gah-nee Indian Health Center has received COVID-19 funds for maintenance, operations and equipment.
• Fort Hall Recreation is opening a Tribal Youth feeding program on June 1, 2020 where both breakfast and lunch will be served. In addition, Fort Hall Recreation has cancelled all May events. For more information, please call Mike Sakelaris at 478-3770.
• Tribal department directors and managers have submitted Return to Work plans for their respective department, which are being reviewed by the Tribal Safety Committee. Directors or managers are required to remain in contact with their staff to provide updates and information on returning to work. Safety signage will be posted at all Tribal Departments and at the Enterprises as reminders to employees and the community of staying safe and healthy. The Tribes are building a PPE cache for preparedness purposes so we will have enough PPE to be protective as we return back to work.
• Extensive COVID-19 related trainings will be offered to tribal employees. A training video on how to use personal protective and equipment is being developed and is scheduled for release on Wednesday, May 6. All Tribal employees are required to attend the personal protective and equipment training, as a part of the Tribal Return to Work plans. The Directors and managers are responsible for ensuring all their employees are trained in best management practices for COVID-19.

This Friday, May 8, 2020 at 10:00 am (MT time), Chairman Tino Batt, Robbie Moss, Public Information Officer and Elese Teton, Executive Director will provide weekly updates on COVID-19 via Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Facebook.

The Tribes highly advise the community to keep safe and take the following Preventative Precautions:

All residents of the Fort Hall Reservation are required to stay at home and leave home only when absolutely necessary for health, safety, or welfare as described herein:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay at home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
• 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.
• Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
• Clean and disinfect your home frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Avoid Public Gathering (Recommendation from CDC is 10 people or less).
• Avoid all non-essential Travel.

For any health concerns, please call the Idaho COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-330-3010