Now, with our active cases for COVID-19 increasing from 1 to 7 on the Blood Reserve within the past four days. The Blood Tribe Emergency Management Team recommends that all Tribal members LIMIT THEIR TRAVEL TO ESSENTIAL REASONS ONLY and TO FOLLOW ALL THE COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES!
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines:
• Physical Distancing of 2 meters (six feet)
• Wearing face masks when out in public or when physical distancing can’t be maintained
• Washing your hands often with warm water and soap for 20 seconds
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• Coughing and sneezing into your arm
• Cleaning and disinfecting areas that are frequently touched (home and office)
• Trying not to touch your face, nose or mouth
• Avoiding non-essential travel and gatherings
• Avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick
• Limiting your passengers to only your household members
• Staying home
Now, if you have to be out in public for any reason this weekend or as we move forward during this pandemic, the Blood Tribe Emergency Management Team wants to emphasize the importance of wearing a face mask and stresses that all members should do so. Since wearing a face mask is very effective in preventing the transmission of the COVID-19 virus.
We all understand that wearing a face mask is annoying and is bothersome. Still, this simple practise of wearing one can make a huge difference in helping to prevent the transmission of the COVID-19 virus to one another. Face masks help create a shield by containing the air particles we release when we breathe from travelling into the air, which is one way the virus can be transmitted from one to another.
For this very reason mentioned above, face masks are also essential to wear when you can’t social distance from the people you are around.
Just think about how bad you would feel if you were to infect one of your family members or someone you know with the COVID-19 virus, just because you decided not to wear a face mask or felt it wasn’t necessary to do so.
Also, remember to practice good hand hygiene by regularly washing your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap or using hand sanitizer to prevent the virus’s spread, especially after touching high contact areas like doors handles.
Please, remember, all public facilities on the Reserve are closed, and no election forums are allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions, and mass gatherings need to be kept to 15 people or less.
At this time, it’s also encouraged for election candidates to try and avoid door to door campaigning and instead use other ways to share their messaging. Please consider using social media, like Facebook Live, radio announcements, making phone calls or putting up signs to connect with Tribal members.
Also, if you are not feeling well or are having symptoms of COVID-19 to please stay home so you can help minimize the risk of getting other sick.
COVID-19 testing is available if you have symptoms of the virus or have been in close contact with a positive case.
With Remembrance Day approaching, it’s important to stop and take a moment to reflect on our current situation and think about how lucky we still are. So let’s start doing our best if you haven’t already been to keep yourself and others safe by diligently following the safety practices asked of us. This way, we can get back to the normality we have been accustomed to living, sooner than later!
Stay Strong and Stay Safe,
Blood Tribe Communications & Community Engagement
