Covid-19 Community Update:18 May

Warm Springs, OR May 18, 2020

Contact: Louie Pitt, Jr.

Director Government Affairs & Planning

Email: louie.pitt@wstribes.org

Phones: 541-553-3540/541-777-1359

 

“As of 3:45p on 5/18/2020 – Warm Springs Health and Wellness Center has sent in or tested 308 tests samples, with 278 Negative, 10 pending, 17 cases 3 total invalid, 9 have Recovered. Note – the STATE lab is taking 24-48 hours for results. Our testing capability currently stands at 116 STATE and 421 ABBOTT test kits. We continue to do random surveillance testing of our high-risk community members.” Hyllis Dauphinais, CEO, Warm Springs Health and Wellness Center

The Warm Springs Tribal CoVID-19 Response team is disappointed at the opening of Jefferson County. In contrast, the Tribal Council has chosen a cautious and safe approach to a very dangerous disease. It is important for tribal and community members to keep covering your face with masks, social distance, avoid crowds, wash often—as these are really actions that does make a difference. You must monitor your travels, “mask up”, social distancing is a must when you visit or shop off-reservation—-don’t bring back the virus.

The Warm Springs Tribal Council accepted recommendations from the WS CoVID-19 Response team to cancel the 2020 Treaty Days Piumesha celebration. Many unsafe situations would be created by such a gathering from around Indian country, our guests and families coming to Warm Springs then going back to their respective homes—the Tribal Council also conditioned the July 4th celebration “…. contingent on test results and community safety.” Remember the virus is carried by people, who can be infected but show no symptoms.

STAY HOME STAY SAFE

Press Release 5-18-2020

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