YUROK TRIBE PRESS RELEASE (03/20/2020 UPDATE)
The Yurok Tribe would like to provide a quick update. As of today at 5 p.m. all Yurok Tribal Offices have been closed to the public.
Chairman Joseph L. James made an address to the membership and community regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic. The video can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=212163773369812
As many of you are aware, Governor Newsom issued a Shelter in Place Order, effective midnight, 3/19/2020. To view the full text of the Shelter in Place Order, follow the link provided: https://covid19.ca.gov/stay-home-except-for-essential-needs/
These orders are designed to prevent further spread of COVID-19. To date, California has an estimated 1000 confirmed cases and 19 deaths from the coronavirus. As of today, March 20, 2020 local health officials confirmed a second positive test of a Humboldt County resident with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) one month to the day after the county had its first confirmed positive case. The individual had recently traveled to a high-risk country. Community transmission is not believed to be a factor in this case. Anyone who was in close contact with the individual will be contacted by Public Health staff, evaluated and quarantined as appropriate.
The shelter-in-place order directs people to remain at home except for essential outings, such as groceries, supplies, and health care needs. Try to limit visiting family and friends and practice social distancing when having to leave your home. The Yurok leadership, and many dedicated staff are tireless in their efforts to mitigate and plan for a very difficult situation. The Yurok Tribe will be updating public messaging in the upriver and downriver communities, on the Tribe’s Facebook Page, local sandwich board notification stations and soon, the Tribal webpage and a COVID-19 Hotline.
The shelter in place recommendations are a mandatory measure to protect our membership, community and the most vulnerable population among us. The Tribal Council is taking this potential risk very seriously and taking proactive measures to protect our community.
As a reminder: The best way to reduce your risk of becoming infected with, or spreading the COVID-19 coronavirus, is to practice Basic Precautions, and we encourage everyone to:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol when soap and water is not available
Avoid eating, or touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Stay home if you are sick
Always cover your coughs and sneezes by using a tissue, or the crook of your elbow
Wear a facemask if you are sick.
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily
If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your regular primary care provider, and let them know if you have been around someone who had COVID-19 coronavirus:
Fever
Cough
Difficulty breathing
The CDC.gov website has the latest guidance and recommendations on COVID-19 coronavirus
For any questions, please contact Serene Hayden, Incident Commander, 707-339-9774
shayden@yuroktribe.nsn.us