Submitted by Quinault Indian Nation
The Quinault Indian Nation (QIN) will reopen normal government operations on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. The QIN government was shut down on August 22 in response to an increase in COVID-19 infection among households on the reservation.
The number of active cases and households in quarantine has stabilized, however, as a precaution the Quinault Indian Reservation will remain closed to visitors and under Phase 2 reopening guidelines until further notice
“Working together we have stopped further spread of COVID-19 in our community, but we have to stay vigilant,” said Quinault Indian Nation Vice-President Tyson Johnston. “We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation and ask that reservation residents continue to stay home and travel only for essential needs such as food, medicine and medical attention.”
Currently there is one active case among QIN citizens, a tribal member in isolation and receiving critical care at Grays Harbor Community Hospital and 8 in recovery. A total of 15 QIN citizens are currently in quarantine among 9 households.
Return to Phase 2 guidelines for citizens living on the reservation have been set by the Quinault Business Committee to reflect the Nation’s unique needs for protecting its vulnerable populations and commitment to following best available science.
Return to Phase 2 guidelines:
- High risk populations continue to stay home.
- Outdoor recreation, including guiding clients, is allowed for groups of 5 or fewer persons not in the same household.
- Gatherings of no more than 5 people who do not all share the same household are allowed, and current funeral policies remain in place.
- Essential travel and limited non-essential travel within Grays Harbor and Jefferson Counties are allowed.
- Essential services for home, auto, food security, delivery, etc. are allowed.
Access to the Quinault Indian Reservation remains restricted to village residents, Quinault tribal members, government employees, local school employees and Quinault Indian Nation Enterprise personnel. This closure does not impact businesses on tribal trust lands such as the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino and Q-Mart locations. Access is still allowed for individuals performing essential services to reservation residents.
If you believe you may have been exposed, or are experiencing symptoms, and/or want to inquire about testing, please call the Roger Saux Health Center (RSHC) at 360-276-4405 for screening.
