We’ll keep this simple: During the next two weeks, everyone should stay home except for essential activities like grocery shopping, going to medical appointments and traveling to essential jobs. We must take these steps to protect our Elders and the community from the COVID-19 virus.
You may have heard Governor Jay Inslee’s announcement Monday night to “Stay Home, Stay Healthy.” He issued orders that:
- Require every Washingtonian to stay home unless they need to pursue an essential activity.
- Ban all gatherings for social, spiritual and recreational purposes (including weddings and funerals).
- Close all businesses except essential businesses.
These measures aren’t new to our community. Tribal Council already has restricted access to government buildings, canceled events, restricted travel, closed our school and early learning center, and temporarily shut down both Emerald Queen Casino locations. We commend our employees and medical personnel for continuing to serve our Tribal members during this public health emergency.
Here’s what else we as a Council ask you to do:
Conserve your resources
As we tackle this situation, we will strive to conserve resources so that we’ll be prepared for uncertain times ahead. We encourage you to do the same.
Stay home, stay healthy, stay connected
The governor’s office respects tribal sovereignty. But COVID-19 is not isolated to a single community, and Tribal Council’s message is the same as the governor’s with one addition: Stay home, stay healthy – and stay connected.
By staying connected, we mean keep talking to one another and keep yourself up to date. PuyallupTribe-nsn.gov, EPTHA.com and the Tribe’s social media platforms are the best places to stay up to date.
Keep taking precautions
Washing your hands is still one of the best things you can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infections. Social distancing matters. Dr. Alan Shelton of Puyallup Tribal Health Authority has been stressing these precautions for weeks and says they really do work.
Take care of yourself and your loved ones
If you need medical attention, many health care facilities, including the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority clinic and Salish Cancer Center, are requiring patients to call before they come in, and go through additional screening steps. Please follow those rules so that we can stop the spread of COVID-19.
We are strong people and will get through this together.
