Novel Coronavirus Updates

For the latest information on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Oregon Health Authority websites.

Click here for mental health and recovery support information and resources during this crisis.

Update: March 25, 2020

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Incident Command Team (ICT) is working on several plans to ensure the safety of the entire community. The ICT continues to monitor and manage the emerging situation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a very serious situation with Tribal, Local, National and International implications.

The ICT will share information on a frequent and regular basis as quickly as decisions are made. They have reviewed and considered all recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) as they become available, however, the CTUIR has the authority to choose how the guidance is used in our community.

As of 8:00am today, Oregon now has a total of 266 people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, after the Oregon Health Authority announced 57 new cases of the novel coronavirus.

OHA is reporting new cases in the following counties: Benton (2), Clackamas (4), Douglas (2), Jackson (1), Josephine (1), Lane (1), Lincoln (1), Linn (5), Marion (11), Multnomah (8), Washington (20) and Yamhill (1). Additionally, the Oregon Health Authority reported that COVID-19 has claimed two more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death total to ten.

Additionally, at 1:00PM today, the Umatilla County Health Department reported a new positive case of COVID-19 in Umatilla County. This new case brings the Umatilla County positive cases of COVID-19 to three.

Current CTUIR guidelines/updates as of March 25, 2020 at 5:00pm are as follows:

• The Nixyáawii Governance Center is closed from March 25 through March 29, 2020. Although CTUIR government offices will be closed, essential services will continue.
• The advertised fish and meat distribution that was scheduled for Friday, March 27, 2020 has been rescheduled for Friday, April 3, 2020. To request available stored (frozen) meat and or fish for family subsistence needs, subject to supply, contact the CTUIR Department of Children and Family Services at 541-429-7300. Priority will be given to seniors and those unable to provide for themselves.
• Effective at 5:00PM on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, Mission Market will be open for drive through orders only.
• Board of Trustees Chair Kat Brigham recorded a special message for the community regarding the recent changes and restrictions in place to protect our community from the spread of COVID-19; Tune in at the top of any hour on KCUW 104.3FM or listen online at https://soundcloud.com/kcuwradio (https://soundcloud.com/kcuwradioo souncloud.com and search “KCUW radio”).

Update: March 24, 2020

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Incident Command Team (ICT) is working on several plans to ensure the safety of the entire community. The ICT continues to monitor and manage the emerging situation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a very serious situation with Tribal, Local, National and International implications. The ICT will share information on a frequent and regular basis as quickly as decisions are made. They have reviewed and considered all recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) as they become available, however, the CTUIR has the authority to choose how the guidance is used in our community.

As of 8:00am today, Oregon now has a total of 209people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, after the Oregon Health Authority announced 18newcases of the novel coronavirus. OHA is reporting new cases in the following counties: Clackamas(3),Clatsop (1), Jackson (1), Marion (2),Multnomah (4)andWashington(7).Additionally, the Oregon Health Authority reported that COVID-19 has claimed three more lives in Oregon, raising the state’s death total to eight.Current CTUIR guidelines/updates as of March 24, 2020 at 5:00pmare as follows:

• BOT will convene during their regular morning work session on Monday March 30,to ratify the following polled items:
  • Motion to approve Administrative Leave for 37.5 hours for government staff
  • Motion to deactivate Flood Response Incident Command Team and move into recovery
  • Motion to approve adopted Resolution 20-028Effective immediately, all forms of traditional sweat are temporarily banned until further notice due to the possibility of contracting the COVID-19 virus between people in a sweat lodge and the potential of exacerbating (worsening) any respiratory issues.
• The CTUIR Department of Children and Family Services provided firewood to five elder homes. These efforts will continue as staff work to obtain additional resources and supplies.
• First Food sustenance distribution for tribal households will occur on March 27, 11AM –1PMat the DNR Fish & Wildlife freezer located physically on “A”Street South of the Umatilla BIA campus. Additional requests for tribal households will go by the following protocol:
  • CTUIR members may call CTUIR DCFS at 541-729-7300 to request available stored (frozen) meat and or fish for family subsistence needs, subject to supply, with priority given to seniors and those unable to provide for themselves. Tribal members must:
  • Bring Tribal ID to fish/meat pick up,
  • One fish and one packet of meat allowed per Tribal member (deer, elk, or bison);
  • Bring own bag/containers for fish and/or meat pick up; CTUIR will not provide bag or containers,
• DCFS provides list of CTUIR member name, fish and meat requests to DNR Fisheries Administrative Assistant by Thursday, March 26, COB, 4pm;
• DNR Fisheries staff will be on site at Freezer from10:45 to 1:15 pm, Friday, March 27;
• CTUIR member drives to DNR F&W Freezer for pick up, provides identification, receives meat/fish, DNR Admin Assistant and CTUIR member maintain social distancing as possible.

• • For distribution of fish and meat to CTUIR members from the Fish and Wildlife Freezer:Due to limited supply, DNR will only be able to distribute one fish and one package of meat per household -not one fish & one package of meat for each CTUIR member in each household.

Update: March 23, 2020

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Incident Command Team (ICT) is working on several plans to ensure the safety of the entire community. The ICT continues to monitor and manage the emerging situation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a very serious situation with Tribal, Local, National and International implications.

The ICT will share information on a frequent and regular basis as quickly as decisions are made. They have reviewed and considered all recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) as they become available, however, the CTUIR has the authority to choose how the guidance is used in our community.

As of 8:00am today, Oregon now has a total of 191 people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, after the Oregon Health Authority announced 30 new cases of the novel coronavirus.

OHA is reporting new cases in the following counties: Clackamas (2), Hood River (1), Linn (1), Marion (8), Multnomah (2), Polk (2) and Washington (14).

Officials have estimated March 24 through March 29 are CRITICAL for all Oregonians to comply with mandates set forth in order to protect the general public from larger scale spread of COVID-19 and point of no-return for intervention to prevent hospital overload.

Current CTUIR guidelines/updates as of March 23, 2020 at 5:00pm are as follows:

• Cayuse Technologies reports that residents should expect a slow-down in internet, cellular and landline services due to an anticipated increase in usage. Calls may take longer to connect or you may have to try a number several times. Online streaming is likely to be very spotty and some sites may go offline temporarily during peak times.
• Effective today, March 23, 2020, patients picking up medications from Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center can park in a designated parking space and have their medications brought out to them. Six parking spaces have been reserved in the south parking area, next to Elder parking. Patients can park in a marked space and call pharmacy at (541) 240-8691 for parking lot delivery of their order.
• The CTUIR has been in contact with both the Seattle Indian Health Board in Seattle, Washington and the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) in Portland, Oregon regarding services available for Tribal members living in these areas. The Seattle Indian Health Board can be reached at (206) 324-9360. NAYA can be reached at (503) 288-8177. If you are a Tribal member living off the CTUIR and need assistance locating services in your area, please contact CTUIR Department of Children and Family Services at (541) 429-7300.
• All requests for first food sustenance gathering (wildlife hunting & fishing) will now be processed directly through CTUIR Department of Natural Resources Director Eric Quaempts who will make exclusive site approval recommendations and sanctions. Tribal Members in need of first food provisions will initiate that request through Julie Taylor at Department of Children and Family Services, (541) 429-7300.

CTUIR Board of Trustees polled and adopted Resolution 20-028 (exhibits attached) which includes the following orders:

a)     Non-essential tribal, longhouse, social and recreational gatherings of individuals outside of a home or place of residence (e.g. parties, celebrations or other similar gatherings and events) are prohibited immediately, regardless of size, if a distance of at least six feet between individuals cannot be maintained.

b)    Individuals are prohibited from doing business on the Umatilla Indian Reservation that are not operating consistently with those that are closed by the State of Oregon under Executive Oregon 20-12 (Attached as Exhibit 1).

c)     When individuals need to leave their homes or residences, they should at all times maintain social distancing of at least six feet from any person who is not a member of their immediate household, to the greatest extent possible, and comply with other social distancing requirements issues by Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center.

d)    Individuals may go outside for outdoor recreational activities (walking, hiking, etc.) and the exercise of the CTUIR member rights held under the Treaty of 1855, buy must limit those activities to non-contact, and are prohibited from engaging in these activities if it is not possible to maintain appropriate social distances of six feet or more between individuals.

e)     The Board authorizes further limitations on Wildhorse Resort and Casino Operations to the essential services offered by Arrowhead Truck Plaza and Mission Market effective noon, Wednesday March 25, 2020 as detailed in Exhibit 2.

f)     Funerals will be conducted in a manner that does not conflict with the limitations of social distancing and other criteria outlined in Exhibit 3.

g)    Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this Resolution constitutes an imminent threat to our public health. Ay person found to be in violation of this Resolution is subject to a penalty of up to 365 days in jail or a fine of $5,000 that can be enforced by the Umatilla Tribal police and Prosecuted by the Office of the Prosecutor or Office of Legal Counsel before the Umatilla Tribal Court and affording the accused with Due Process under Indian Civil Rights Act.

h)     This order extends through April 28, 2020.

i)      As authorized by Resolution 16-023 Incident Command will designate all further action for health, safety and continuity of government/enterprises consistent with the CTUIR Emergency Response Plan. Incident Command will continue to update the Board no less than weekly.

Update: March 22, 2020

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Incident Command Team (ICT) is working on several plans to ensure the safety of the entire community. The ICT continues to monitor and manage the emerging situation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a very serious situation with Tribal, Local, National and International implications.  As this situation progresses, it increasingly appears that COVID-19 is now in the greater population, so taking immediate measures to slow its spread are imperative – especially to vulnerable populations. Vulnerable populations include people above 60 years of age, people who may be immunocompromised or other chronic conditions such as lung disease, heart disease and diabetes.

The ICT will share information on a frequent and regular basis as quickly as decisions are made. They have reviewed and considered all recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) as they become available, however, the CTUIR has the authority to choose how the guidance is used in our community.

As of 8:00am today, Oregon now has a total of 161 people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, after the Oregon Health Authority announced 24 new cases of the novel coronavirus.

OHA is reporting new cases in the following counties: Benton (2), Clackamas (1), Deschutes (1), Lane (1), Marion (3), Multnomah (1), Washington (13) and Yamhill (2). Additionally, Oregon Health Authority is reporting that COVID-19 has claimed another life in Oregon, raising Oregon’s death toll from four to five.

Current CTUIR guidelines/updates as of March 22, 2020 at 5:00pm are as follows:

• The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced the closure of all state parks, including all trails, viewpoints, and picnic areas and all other facilities beginning tomorrow, Monday, March 23 through May 8, 2020. Day-use state parks will close starting March 23 at 5PM and will not reopen until further notice. All campers must check out by 1PM on Monday, March 23.
• The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and the Department of Natural Resources announced the closure of all state campgrounds across Washington beginning tomorrow, Monday, March 23 through April 30, 2020. Day use areas and trails remain open in addition to WDFW wildlife areas and water access areas.
• Governor Kate Brown issued an executive order today enacting a 90-day statewide ban on residential evictions for failure to pay rent. As previously announced on March 18, 2020, the ICT has enacted a temporary ban on CTUIR Housing evictions.
• The Átaw Miyánašma Learning Center and Lil’ Turtle Retreat Daycare will be closed for the week of March 23 through March 27, 2020.
• Kayak Public Transit will cease operations for the week of Monday, March 23 through Saturday, March 28, 2020. Kayak Public Transit will continue to monitor the situation and make a determination regarding the following week on or before March 27, 2020. For updates or inquiries, you may contact Kayak Public Transit dispatch at 541-429-7519.
• As of 12 noon today, March 22, 2020, Wildhorse has closed the Tower Hotel, Cineplex, Hot Rock Cafe and Wild Roast until further notice. These facilities are being thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

Update: March 21, 2020

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Incident Command Team (ICT) is working on several plans to ensure the safety of the entire community. The ICT continues to monitor and manage the emerging situation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a very serious situation with Tribal, Local, National and International implications.  As this situation progresses, it increasingly appears that COVID-19 is now in the greater population, so taking immediate measures to slow its spread are imperative – especially to vulnerable populations. Vulnerable populations include people above 60 years of age, people who may be immunocompromised or other chronic conditions such as lung disease, heart disease and diabetes.

The ICT will share information on a frequent and regular basis as quickly as decisions are made. They have reviewed and considered all recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) as they become available, however, the CTUIR has the authority to choose how the guidance is used in our community.

As of 8:00am today, Oregon now has a total of 137 people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, after the Oregon Health Authority announced 23 new cases of the novel coronavirus.

OHA is reporting new cases in the following counties: Clackamas (1), Deschutes (1), Josephine (1), Lane (1), Marion (2), Multnomah (6), Washington (11). Additionally, Oregon Health Authority is reporting that COVID-19 has claimed another life in Oregon, raising Oregon’s death toll from three to four.

Current CTUIR guidelines/updates as of March 21, 2020 at 5:00pm are as follows:

• CTUIR Department of Children and Family Services and Yellowhawk Community Wellness collaborated to distribute donated produce and dairy products from Wildhorse to over 250 community members. This included deliveries of food boxes to elders by CTUIR, Yellowhawk and Nixyáawii Senior Center staff. This outreach will continue for all elder homes as staff work to obtain additional resources and supplies.
• The BOT has released tribal government employees for the week of March 23 through March 27, 2020. Although CTUIR government offices will be closed, essential services will continue.
• The Átaw Miyánašma Learning Center will be closed for the week of March 23 through March 27, 2020. A determination on re-opening the following week will be made on or before March 27, 2020.
• Kayak Public Transit will cease operations for the week of Monday, March 23, 2020 through Saturday, March 28, 2020. Kayak Public Transit will continue to monitor the situation and make a determination regarding the following week on or before March 27, 2020. For updates or inquiries, you may contact Kayak Public Transit dispatch at 541-429-7519.
• Effective at 12 noon on Sunday, March 22, 2020, Wildhorse will be closing the Tower Hotel, Cineplex, Hot Rock Cafe and Wild Roast until further notice.

Update: March 17, 2020

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Incident Command Team (ICT) is working on several plans to ensure the safety of the entire community. The ICT continues to monitor and manage the emerging situation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a very serious situation with Tribal, Local, National and International implications.  As this situation progresses, it increasingly appears that COVID-19 is now in the greater population, so taking immediate measures to slow its spread are imperative – especially to vulnerable populations. Vulnerable populations include people above 60 years of age, people who may be immunocompromised or other chronic conditions such as lung disease, heart disease and diabetes.

The ICT will share information on a frequent and regular basis as quickly as decisions are made. They have reviewed and considered all recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) as they become available, however, the CTUIR has the authority to choose how the guidance is used in our community.

As of 10:30am today, Oregon now has a total of 65 people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, after the Oregon Health Authority announced 18 new cases of the novel coronavirus.

OHA is reporting new cases in the following counties: Clackamas (4), Linn (5), Marion (1), Multnomah (1) and Washington (7).

Current CTUIR guidelines/updates as of March 17, 2020 at 5:00pm are as follows:

• CTUIR Department of Children and Family Services will continue to provide Emergency Assistance (Elders, Veterans, CTUIR Emergency Services), General Assistance, Child Care and Foster Care services. Office doors are locked during this time, the intake process will be conducted over the phone. To receive services, please call: 541-429-7305 or 541-429-7300 or julietaylor@ctuir.org.
• Effective today, March 17th, the CTUIR Fish & Wildlife Commission has closed the 2019-2020 Treaty Bison Hunt Season.
• Effective today, March 17th, Hamley Steakhouse & Saloon and Hamley Cafe will be open for takeout orders only.
• Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, Kinship Café and the Museum Store will be closed to the public until April 3, 2020.
• Wildhorse Golf Course will remain open with food service at the Clubhouse limited to takeout orders. The Golf Course at Birch Creek will remain open and restaurant will provide takeout orders only.
• Effective tomorrow, March 18th, at 12 noon, Wildhorse will be closing the casino until April 8, 2020. All restaurants will be open for takeout orders with the exception of Plateau, which will be closed. Wildhorse Cineplex will remain open through Sunday, March 22nd, at which time closure will be re-evaluated.
• The hotel tower will remain open with 100 rooms available, limited to every other room on each floor, and the courtyard rooms will be closed.

Update: March 16, 2020

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Incident Command Team (ICT) is working on several plans to ensure the safety of the entire community. The ICT continues to monitor and manage the emerging situation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a very serious situation with Tribal, Local, National and International implications. As this situation progresses, it increasingly appears that COVID-19 is now in the greater population, so taking immediate measures to slow its spread are imperative – especially to vulnerable populations. Vulnerable populations include people above 60 years of age, people who may be immunocompromised or other chronic conditions such as lung disease, heart disease and diabetes.

The ICT will share information on a frequent and regular basis as quickly as decisions are made. They have reviewed and considered all recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) as they become available, however, the CTUIR has the authority to choose how the guidance is used in our community.

As of 5:33pm today, Oregon now has a total of 47 people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, after the Oregon Health Authority announced eight new presumptive positive cases of the novel coronavirus.

OHA is reporting 2 new cases each in Benton and Deschutes Counties; and 1 new case in each of the following counties: Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah and Washington.

Current CTUIR guidelines/updates as of March 16, 2020 at 6:00pm are as follows:

• Gov. Kate Brown ordered restaurants and bars to move to takeout or deliver only and banned gatherings of 25 or more in Oregon , starting Tuesday, March 17
• The CTUIR will move tribal government operations into contingency mode enacted no later than Wednesday March 18, 2020. Under contingency mode the CTUIR’s current objective is to further isolate the Reservation and workforce from contact with outside communities that are now, or will soon experience outbreaks, some of those efforts include:
• The BOT will release tribal government employees for the week of March 23 -March 27th.
• The BOT will not meet next week but will reconvene the week of March 30 by teleconference.
• Public access to the Nixyaawii Governance Center will be limited to minimize unnecessary presence in the Governance Center. Public access will only be available at the main visitors’ entrance in the rotunda, and will have a visitor screening station set up. All other entrances will be accessible by key-card only.
  CTUIR government payroll will issue paychecks/direct deposit on Friday March 20th.
• CTUIR Department of Children is taking phone calls for assistance to elders or vulnerable citizens in need. That number is 541-429-7300.
• Effective Wednesday, March 18, Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center will be providing essential services only. This includes:
• Medical appointments only if screened by nursing staff over the phone prior. Routine appointments in all clinics will be postponed at this time.
  • For Dr. James Winde call LaShay at 541.240.8655
    For Elizabeth Sieders call Mikhy at 541.240.8639
    For Colleen Thurman call Alicia at 541.240.8637
    Lab or x-ray appointments, please call 541.240.8514
  • Pharmacy appointments and for Diabetes sensor changes or INR monitoring, please call 541.240.8691
• Dental will be providing emergency walk-ins only, such as pain and swelling. Dental can be reached at 541.240.8698
• Chemical Dependency will be providing individual sessions by phone. Call Behavioral Health at 541.240.8695
• Treatment groups will be reduced to 3 per week and adapted to serve a broader treatment population. The following groups will continue to meet: DUII/A&D Education Group; A&D Education/Relapse Prevention Group. Yellowhawk staff will notify clients about these Treatment Group scheduling adjustments. All other groups are suspended until further notice.
  Mental Health telepsych will be provided by phone and therapists will provide phone-based sessions to established clients. Call Behavioral Health at 541.240.8625 or 541.969.0071
• Community Wellness will continue to provide Community Health Nursing, Community Health Representative and Transportation services, please call 541.240.8412.
• Nixyáawii Senior Center will provide meal delivery for elders over age 55 call 541.240.8700.
• WIC services will be available by phone call 541.240.8521.
• Yellowhawk Pick-up or Delivery for Higher-Risk Patients:
  If you are age 60 years and older, or have chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease or lung disease Yellowhawk Pharmacy encourages you to have a family member pick up your medications whenever possible. If pick-up cannot be arranged, Yellowhawk Pharmacy can offer medication deliveries. Please contact the pharmacy with your medication order at 541-240-8691. If you receive the pharmacy messaging service, please leave a message with your name, phone number, and names of the medications being requested. Be sure to also request medication delivery if needed. Medication deliveries will be picked up at the pharmacy at 1:00 PM daily, Monday through Friday, and will be delivered by our Community Wellness Department staff.

Update: March 15, 2020

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Incident Command Team (ICT) is working on several plans to ensure the safety of the entire community. The ICT continues to monitor and manage the emerging situation concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a very serious situation with Tribal, Local, National and International implications. As this situation progresses, it increasingly appears that COVID-19 is now in the greater population, so taking immediate measures to slow its spread are imperative – especially to vulnerable populations. Vulnerable populations include people above 60 years of age, people who may be immunocompromised or other chronic conditions such as lung disease, heart disease and diabetes.

The ICT will share information on a frequent and regular basis as quickly as decisions are made. They have reviewed and considered all recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA) as they become available, however, the CTUIR has the authority to choose how the guidance is used in our community.

As of 11:00am today, Oregon now has a total of 39 people who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, after the Oregon Health Authority announced three new presumptive positive cases of the novel coronavirus.

OHA is reporting 1 new case Yamhill County, 1 new case in Deschutes County, and 1 new case in Linn County. The Yamhill County and Deschutes County cases are believed to be community acquired. The case in Linn County is a staff member at the Oregon Veterans’ Home in Lebanon, which currently has nine residents who have tested positive. State and local officials have also reported Oregon has its first fatality from COVID-19 as of March 14, 2020, a 70-year-old man in Multnomah County who had underlying health conditions as well.

Current CTUIR guidelines/updates as of March 15, 2020 at 6:00pm are as follows:
The Pendleton School District will be providing “Grab and Go” meals to all students 18 years and under, weekdays beginning Monday, March 16 through Tuesday, March 31, 11:30-12:30pm. Meals will be packed to take home and will not be served onsite. Students must be present to receive meals.
Meals will be provided from:

• Pendleton Early Learning Center (PELC)
  455 SW 13th St, Pendleton
• Washington Elementary School
  1205 SE Byers Ave, Pendleton
• CTUIR Community Gym

There are community action plans currently being discussed by the incident command team that will be shared once finalized. Those include:

• Yellowhawk is finalizing plans internally to ease the access to prescription medications for those that are homebound or at higher risk. Update expected Monday, March 15

The CTUIR Board of Trustees will be meeting on Monday, March 15, expect further updates after this convening.

Update: March 9, 2020

Help keep our community safe!

Yellowhawk has received 200 flu vaccines.

It is not too late to get your flu shot.

Nixyáawii Senior Center

The senior center will re-open tomorrow, Tuesday, March 10, 2020, on a regular schedule, however, the birthday celebration originally scheduled for March 10 will now be a regular lunch day. Staff have been trained to monitor for flu and cold symptoms and if anyone presents with those symptoms, they may be asked to return to their vehicle and take lunch to-go. Other steps will be taken to ensure elder safety at the senior center as we resume services, such as: The center will be thoroughly cleaned daily and special attention will be given to surface areas that are touched frequently. Staff will be serving all meals to reduce the direct contact with serving utensils. Dining chairs and place settings will be distanced from each other and will be cleaned after each use

We still encourage the general public to continue taking the following preventative measures:

+  Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap is not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

+  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

+  Avoid contact with people who are sick.

+  Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others by not attending large events or gatherings.

+  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) some people are at higher risk from the novel coronavirus. This includes older adults and those with serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease. Individuals in these groups should take extra precautions to reduce their risk of contracting the novel coronavirus.

The Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center Public Health Incident Command will be re-evaluating the status of the senior center on a regular basis. Please check back to this page for updates or contact the senior center at 541-240-8700.

Update March 6, 2020

The risk continues to be low for the CTUIR community.

During the weekend if you have questions or concerns about the novel coronavirus call

+ Oregon Residents, Oregon Health Authority: 211

+ Washington Residents, Washington Department of Health: 1-800-525-0127

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and require medical care please call the medical facility to be triaged before visiting.

Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center will return to our regular schedule for all services, programs, events, and classes starting Monday, March 9, 2020.

Yellowhawk has received 200 flu vaccines this week. It is not too late for your flu shot!

Cleaning Your Home

You can effectively clean your home with cleaning and disinfecting supplies you already have on hand. If surfaces are visibly dirty they should be cleaned with soap and water solutions, then dried, prior to disinfecting. Bleach water solution can be made for an easy at home disinfectant.

Mix 5 tablespoons (1/3 cup) of bleach per 1 gallon of water

OR

Mix 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water

Bleach water solutions are only effective for about 12 hours after they are mixed and are less effective if exposed to sunlight and air. Disposable gloves should be worn while cleaning and disinfecting, then discarded after use. Be sure to clean highly touched objects such as door knobs, light switches, remotes, and phones.

Update March 5, 2020

The risk continues to be low for the CTUIR community. Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center is advised by public health authorities from both Umatilla and Walla Walla Counties that there are currently no known positive cases of coronavirus COVID-19 in any resident of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla  Indian Reservation (CTUIR).

UCo Health reports that we have now received the results back from Washington State Public Health lab on the three samples sent for testing earlier this week from those with close contact with the presumptive positive case. All three test results returned were negative for COVID-19 and as such, no further testing will be conducted on these samples.

Coronavirus Prevention

To help prevent the spread of this virus, the flu, and the common cold please:

+  Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use handsanitizer.

+  Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

+  Avoid contact with people who are sick.

+  Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others by not attending large events.

+  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

The use of medical masks, such as loop masks, is not effective in preventing the wearer from contracting the coronavirus. Masks should only be worn by those who are already sick.

Press Release: March 4, 2020

For Immediate Release

Mission, OR – The Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center Public Health Incident Command, in consultation
with Local, State and Federal public health agencies has determined that the risk of exposure to
coronavirus at Wildhorse Resort and Casino is minimal.

On March 2, 2020, The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Board of
Trustees was informed by the Governor’s Office via the Oregon Health Authority that a staff member
of Wildhorse Resort and Casino had tested presumptive positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
The nature of the employee’s function at the casino was such that patrons and most employees would
have had minimal direct contact and thus minimal risk of exposure to coronavirus from this
employee. Based on the public health investigation thus far, no source for the employee’s infection
has been identified and no new cases have been detected.

Local, State and Federal public health agencies continue to report that the risk for infection with
COVID-19 continues to be low in Oregon, including the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian
Reservation and Umatilla County. Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center Public Health Incident Command is
advised by public health authorities from both Umatilla and Walla Walla Counties that there are
currently no known positive cases of COVID-19 in any resident of the CTUIR.

By order of the CTUIR Board of Trustees, the Tribe’s Incident Command Structure was activated on
March 2, 2020. Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center staff are leading the response and investigation of
COVID-19 on the reservation with support from Tribal Government staff. CTUIR facilities, including
those that were initially ordered closed for cleaning and sanitization (Nixyaawii Community School,
Head Start, and Daycare) and Wildhorse Resort and Casino have re-opened. The Nixyaawii Senior
Center will remain closed until Monday, March 9, 2020, however, elder meal deliveries are provided
upon request.

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a virus strain that has only spread in people since December
2019. The virus is spread from one person to another through the air by coughing and sneezing,
close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands and touching an object or surface with
the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.

To help prevent the spread of this virus, the flu and common cold please:
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand
sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others by not attending large events.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

The Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center Public Health Incident Command is coordinating the response to
this event with the State of Oregon, Umatilla County and Walla Walla County. Public safety is a
primary concern of the CTUIR. All efforts are being taken to ensure the health and safety of the
community is protected.

The Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center Public Health Incident Command will be providing information as
it becomes available. Additional information about the virus and how to take necessary precautions
can be found at: https://www.oregon.gov/oha. A hotline has been established to answer questions and
concerns by dialing 211.

Contact:

Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center: Carrie Sampson-Samuels, Public Health Information Officer,
541-240-8728; carriesampson@yellowhawk.org

Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board: Victoria Warren-Mears, Director NW Tribal Epidemiology
Center, 503-998-6063; vwarrenmears@npaihb.org

Update: March 4, 2020

Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center is advised by public health authorities from both Umatilla and Walla Walla Counties that there are currently no known positive cases of coronavirus COVID-19 in any resident of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR).

Although the risk continues to be low for the CTUIR community the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that caution be taken when gathering in large groups. Yellowhawk advises that vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, avoid large group gatherings. If you do attend events with large groups of people do the following:

+ Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

+ Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

+ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands + Limit physical contact with others

Update March 3, 2020

The risk continues to be low for the CTUIR community.

If you suspect you have the coronavirus, the flu, or a flu-like virus and require medical care please call a medical facility before coming in so you can be triaged to the correct medical provider.

+ Oregon Residents, Oregon Health Authority: 211

+ Washington Residents, Washington Health Authority: 1-800-525-0127

+ Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center: 541.966.9830

Symptoms of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and other flu and flu-like viruses include:

1. Fever

2. Cough

3. Shortness of breath

Only patients that meet specific requirements will be tested. Those include:

+ Being in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus. Close contact is defined as within 6ft or less for more than one hour in an enclosed space.

+ Having traveled to China, South Korea, Iran, Italy or Japan, and are exhibiting flu-like symptoms (fever, cough or shortness of breath requiring hospitalization)

+ Hospitalization for a respiratory illness with no known cause

Update: March 2, 2020

With the recent news about the presumptive case of Coronavirus at Wildhorse Casino it is understandable that many people are concerned for their communities’ health and safety. Please be assured that Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center, in conjunction with the CTUIR, Umatilla County Health Authority, and the Oregon Health Authority, are working together to monitor the situation and taking precautionary measures as appropriate.

Currently the risk to the CTUIR community is low. For those who have been in close contact with someone who has had the virus, have traveled to China, South Korea, Iran, Italy or Japan, and are exhibiting flu-like symptoms themselves (fever, signs or symptoms of a lower respiratory illness, cough or shortness of breath requiring hospitalization) contact the Umatilla County Health Authority hotline at 211, Washington State Department of Heatlh at 1-800-525-0127, or Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center at 541-966-9830. Please call before coming into the clinic. Coming in can increase the health risk to you and others.

When visiting Yellowhawk for an appointment you will find a few things have changed in response to the Coronavirus. Patients who are exhibiting flu like symptoms will experience extra screening. Please be aware that this may slow down check-in times so arrive for all appointments at least 15 minutes early.

To help prevent the spread of this virus, the flu or the common cold be sure to:

• wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use hand sanitizer
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• avoid contact with people who are sick
• stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others by not attending large events
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing

To stay up-to-date on the latest information on the virus visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or Oregon Health Authority websites.