Tribal Government Buildings to Remain Closed Through Dec. 14; Essential Eervices Will Continue

Dear Tribal Community,

The spike in COVID-19 cases regionally and nationally is deeply troubling. To help prevent the spread of the virus, all Tribal government buildings will remain closed until Dec. 14. Access by employees will be limited.

New cases reported among staff
Over the weekend, two employees with the Elders Department tested positive for COVID-19.

Elders staff will continue infection control practices at the House of Respect, which includes deep cleaning, additional testing for residents and staff, 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.

Staff are teleworking to help Membership  
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.

PTOI COVID-19 testing and flu shot clinic on Friday, Nov. 20

WHAT: Free COVID-19 testing and flu shot clinic.

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20.

WHERE: Administration Building parking lot, 3009 East Portland Ave., Tacoma.

INFO: To make the COVID-19 test process go faster, please fill out these forms in advance:

Consent form

Test form

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