Dear Tribal Community,
In response to positive cases over the weekend involving staff from the Elders Department, additional COVID-19 testing and re-testing is underway. Today, we learned that three more employees tested positive for COVID-19. Test results are pending for six other people, and will likely be known on Wednesday.
Of the tests administered today, 42 staff and 17 Elders tested negative. Elders will continue testing employees every five to seven days until everyone in the department has two consecutive negative results.
After that, the department plans to test every two weeks.
Additionally, Elders staff will continue infection control practices at the House of Respect, which includes deep cleaning, and an increased use in personal protective equipment. At this time, residents will not be able to have visitors or have outside appointments unless it’s a critical medical one. Elders’ Residences are closed to visitors until Dec. 14.
It’s a good reminder that everyone needs to:
- Stay home and ONLY going out for essential tasks, and avoid social gatherings.
- Wear a mask to conduct essential tasks in all public places.
- Maintain a 6 foot physical distance from people who do not live in your house.
- Wash hands frequently, and get a flu shot.
- Monitor your temperature and watch for symptoms daily, and get tested if you need to. (See graphic on Friday’s free COVID-19 testing and flu shot clinic).
Staff are teleworking to help Membership
On Monday, Tribal Council extended the closure for Tribal Administration buildings until Dec. 14. As with previous closures, we must continue services to the Membership, so departments need to stay open and employees will be expected to telework. Paid administrative leave is provided for those unable to telework, with Administration approval. If you need to reach a department, please view the Tribal Directory which was printed in the last newspaper. It’s available on the Tribe’s website: http://puyallup-tribe.com/services/directory.html. The directory lists emails and phone numbers for all essential services.
The Tribe has taken numerous measures to ensure the safety of our employees during the coronavirus outbreak, including encouraging teleworking for positions that allow, implementing social distancing, installing Plexiglas barriers, remodeling building entries, and conducting regular cleaning and disinfection of buildings.
You can learn more about steps you can take to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 on our website:http://puyallup-tribe.com/COVID19/covid.php.
You can also find a list of mobile testing clinics on Pierce County Emergency Management’s website: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/6758/Covid-19-Mobile-Testing.
Stay well. Stay safe.
– Puyallup Tribal Administration
