The following is a directive from the Shoshone Business Council to all Shoshone tribal members:
With the recent positive COVID-19 case confirmed on the Wind River Indian Reservation, we, the Eastern Shoshone Business Council, are urging Shoshone tribal members to STAY HOME and avoid unnecessary trips, meetings and gatherings, visitation of private businesses, and parks in Fremont County.
On March 12, 2020 the Shoshone Business Council declared a State of Emergency over COVID-19. Now that an individual, who is a resident of the Wind River Indian Reservation has tested positive, it is imperative for the Tribe to continue to prepare for and respond to suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases and to implement measures to protect the public health and to slow the spread. The Tribe has identified protocol for home isolation and self-quarantine and asks members of the Tribe to implement the following social distancing guidelines:
- Remain at your home as much as possible; do not go to work school or public areas.
- Prohibit unnecessary visitors to your home. Avoid visiting others, especially elders.
- If you must go out, avoid places with several people and keep a distance of at least 6 feet from others and limit interaction to less than 10 minutes.
- Monitor your health and seek medical attention if you develop signs or symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath or sore throat).
- Follow the directives posted at the Indian Health Services Fort Washakie Clinic if you feel the need to be seen by a medical provider. You will be screened and the severity will be assessed.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
In addition, the Shoshone Business Council is closing all tribal departments to avoid further outbreak and will do our best to make sure emergencies are addressed and appropriate assistance (if available) is provided. We do have specific departments working on care packages for the elders. Please be patient as many of those individuals are being identified by Tribal Health Staff and the Food Distribution Program. In addition, additional food supplies have been requested through the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) and we are waiting on approval of those supplies.
We are urging tribal members to “PLEASE STAY AT HOME’ and avoid visiting each other, especially elders. By doing so, you are helping a very at-risk population from getting the disease. Also, take advantage of those businesses who are offering delivery or pick-up services.
We thank you for your support and cooperation during this unprecedented time.
Thank you.
Eastern Shoshone Business Council