Loleta— 03/09/2020 —In response to the novel Coronavirus COVID-19 global pandemic, the Wiyot Tribe has issued a Shelter in Place order effective 12:01 pm March 20, 2020 to April 07, 2020 for Table Bluff Reservation. The Tribal government will continue to operate essential programs and maintain critical infrastructure. On March 16, 2020 the Wiyot Tribe declared a State of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus. On March 15, 2020 the Wiyot Tribe ordered community mitigation strategies prevent the introduction of COVID-19 into the local community and slow the spread of the virus. These strategies include a public health campaign focusing on personal level actions, social distancing protocols, and protective measures. Tribal Health and Human Services staff have initiated a public health campaign to inform staff, citizens, community members and visitors about personal level actions to reduce the spread of the virus. These personal actions will include not be limited to handwashing techniques, the symptoms of COVID-19, staying home when sick, respiratory etiquette, limiting visitors and movement within the community, telephoning the doctor’s office in advance of a visit.
All Tribal offices continue to be closed to the public. All meetings, social gatherings, and classes will be postponed until further notice. The World Renewal Ceremony has been postponed to next year to protect elders, dancers and their families. The Tsek Houdaqh Youth program and daily elder’s congregate meal program will be closed. However, the elder’s home meal delivery and school lunch program will be continued using a modified approach using social distancing and increased sanitation procedures. As it has been recommended by Governor Newsom that all elders over 65 self-isolate, the Tribe is encouraging tribal elders to reach out to the title VI elders’ program for assistance by phone for assistance as needed.
The COVID-19 Global pandemic is an evolving health emergency. The Tribe will continue to monitor available health information provided by County, State, and Federal public health agencies. It is critical that the tribe work to maintain critical infrastructure necessary to maintain the operation of the government and work to protect the introduction of COVID-19 into the local community and slow the spread of the virus.
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