Yurok Office of Emergency Services Update: May 20, 2020
Yurok Office of Emergency Services Update: May 20, 2020
Yurok Tribe Covid-19 Toll Free Hotline at: 1-888-225-8952.
Confirmed Cases on the Yurok Reservation
• Zero
Confirmed Cases in Humboldt County
• 88 Total Confirmed Cases
• 2 Confirmed Dealths
Confirmed Cases in Del Norte County
• 15 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
Confirmed Cases in Trinity County
• 1 Confirmed Case
Case numbers provided by Humboldt, Del Norte & Trinity County Joint Information Center’s
Confirmed Cases at K’ima:w Medical Center in Hoopa
• 1 confirmed case
K’ima:w Medical Center
Confirmed Cases at United Indian Health Service
• 1 confirmed case
Case numbers provided by http://unitedindianhealthservices.org/coronavirus/
California COVID-19 Update for May 18, 2020
As of May 19, 2020, there are a total of 84,057 positive cases and 3,436 deaths in California.
• For county level data, access the COVID-19 Public Dashboard.
• For skilled nursing facility data, visit Skilled Nursing Facilites: COVID-19.
• The latest data is linked at https://covid19.ca.gov/and features: Hospital Data, County maps, Cases by county, Distributed PPE
New Data Portal
• The state has launched a new, user-friendly data portal at update.covid19.ca.gov that tracks COVID-19 cases statewide and by county, gender, age and ethnicity. The portal also outlines statewide hospitalizations and testing efforts. The data presented on the portal will be updated daily and will include additional information as it is available.
Testing in California
As testing capacity continues to increase across the state, the California Department of Public Health is working to expand access to COVID-19 testing. Testing should be used for medical evaluation of persons with symptoms of COVID-19 as well as for efforts by public health agencies and essential employers to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19. Individuals prioritized for testing include:
• Hospitalized patients
• Symptomatic and asymptomatic healthcare workers, first responders, and other social service employees
• Symptomatic individuals age 65 and older or symptomatic individuals of any age with chronic medical conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 illness
• Individuals who are tested as part of disease control efforts in high-risk settings
• Asymptomatic residents and employees of congregate living facilities when needed to prevent disease transmission
• Symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in essential occupations such as grocery store and food supply workers, utility workers and public employees
• Other individuals with symptoms consistent with COVID-19
As of May 17, 1,292,672 tests have been conducted in California and reported to the California Department of Public Health. This represents an increase of 57,429 tests over the prior 24-hour reporting period. These numbers include data from commercial, private and academic labs, including Quest, LabCorp, Kaiser, University of California and Stanford, and the 25 state and county health labs currently testing.
Racial Demographics – A More Complete Picture
• The California Department of Public Health is committed to health equity and collecting more detailed racial and ethnic data that will provide additional understanding for determining future action. Health outcomes are affected by forces including structural racism, poverty and the disproportionate prevalence of underlying conditions such as asthma and heart disease among Latinos and African American Californians. Only by looking at the full picture can we understand how to ensure the best outcomes for all Californians.
The differences in health outcomes related to COVID-19 are most stark in COVID-19 deaths. We have nearly complete data on race and ethnicity for COVID-19 deaths, and we are seeing the following trends. Overall, for adults 18 and older, Latinos, African Americans and Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are dying at disproportionately higher levels. The proportion of COVID-19 deaths in African Americans is about double their population representation across all adult age categories. For Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, overall numbers are low, but there is a four-fold difference between the proportion of COVID-19 deaths and their population representation. More men are dying from COVID-19 than females, in line with national trends. More information is available at COVID-19 Race and Ethnicity Data.
Health Care Worker Infection Rates
• As of May 17, local health departments have reported 8,330 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 47 deaths statewide.
United States Confirmed Cases: Per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as of May 20, 2020:
• Total confirmed cases 1,528,235 (+23,405 New Cases* compared to yesterday’s data)
• Total confirmed deaths 91,664 (+1,324 New Deaths* compared to yesterday’s data)
• The CDC also provides an overview here: https://www.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/index.html
Global Confirmed Cases: As of May 20, 2020
• Total Confirmed Cases 4,968,689 +76,139
• Total Confirmed Deaths 326,515 +3694
• Total Recovered Cases 1,885,535 +199,087
Actions Taken by the State and Federal Government
• May 19, 2020 — Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order addressing a variety of issues in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The order helps ease the strain on domestic violence service providers by waiving the 10 percent cash or in-kind matching requirements for state grants awarded to these organizations. The order also waives the deadline to verify grade point average and waives certain certification requirements and selective service registration verification for Cal Grant applicants. The order suspends programmatic deadlines for entities that receive funding from the Energy Commission for the development and deployment of new technologies that support the state’s clean energy and decarbonization goals. In addition, the order extends the timeframe for local governments to submit claims for reimbursement to the State Controller’s Office. The text of the Governor’s executive order can be found here and a copy can be found here.
• Governor’s Task Force on Business and Jobs Recovery Urges Congress to Pass Emergency Relief for State & Local Governments. See full press release: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/05/19/governors-task-force-on-business-and-jobs-recovery-urges-congress-to-pass-emergency-relief-for-state-local-governments/
• May 15, 2020 SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued the following statement following the House’s vote on the HEROES Act: “The COVID-19 global pandemic has caused a national recession, and cities and states across the country cannot weather this storm alone. Read full statement here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/05/15/governor-newsom-statement-on-heroes-act-vote/
• May 12, Governor Newsom Announces California has Conducted Over 1 Million Diagnostic Tests for COVID-19 as Testing Capacity Ramps Up. To view more information visit: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/05/12/governor-newsom-announces-california-has-conducted-over-1-million-diagnostic-tests-for-covid-19-as-testing-capacity-ramps-up/
• May 6, Governor Newsom Announces Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Workers who Contract COVID-19 during Stay at Home Order. To view more information visit: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2020/05/06/governor-newsom-announces-workers-compensation-benefits-for-workers-who-contract-covid-19-during-stay-at-home-order/
• May 4, Governor Newsom issued the May 4 State Report Card for how the state is doing in meeting key measures for moving into Stage 2. California is on track on the following statewide metrics:
o Stability of Hospitalizations
o Personal Protective Equipment Inventory
o Health Care Surge Capacity
o Testing Capacity
o Contact Tracing Capability
• Governor Newsom announced an expansion of the Farm to Family Program and new initiatives to combat food insecurity
• State expands Farm to Family program to help meet the growing demand at California food banks
• Philanthropy commits to $15 million campaign to fund Farm to Family program through the end of the year
• Governor highlights expansion of CalFresh and EBT programs, including new Pandemic-EBT, and EBT for online purchasing
• Beginning April 28, people getting CalFresh food benefits can use their EBT card to buy groceries online at Amazon and Walmart statewide
• Beginning in May, families can get up to $365 for each child who is eligible for P-EBT benefits. The total amount depends on how many eligible children are living in your home
• Students can still pick up to-go meals even if they are receiving P-EBT benefit
• Find out more information at https://covid19.ca.gov/food-resources/
• Governor Newsom recently signed executive orders to ensure prioritization of children of essential infrastructure workers, as well as those in vulnerable populations, including children at risk of violence or neglect, and those with disabilities, in accessing child care services during the state’s COVID-19 response. Under the executive orders, the Department of Education and the Department of Social Services developed and have issued guidance on the prioritization for access to child care services. Essential infrastructure workers include health care workers, emergency response personnel, law enforcement, and grocery workers.
Emergency subsidized child care services are now available for Essential Workers and At-Risk children and families. Services are temporary and can only be provided until June 30th, 2020 or until the State of Emergency has ended, whichever occurs first.
• April 22, Governor Gavin Newsom announced plans to resume delayed health care that was deferred as hospitals prepared for COVID-19 Surge.
The decision was based on progress toward preparing California’s hospitals and health care delivery system for a COVID-19 surge in patients, one of California’s six indicators to gradually modify state’s stay-at-home order. The Governor also announced plans to add at least an additional 80 testing sites in underserved communities train up to 10,000 contact tracers.
• April 21, Governor Gavin Newsom announced California Volunteers’ #CaliforniansForAll service initiative to connect Californians with safe volunteer opportunities and encourage those unable to physically volunteer to think creatively about ways to make a difference in their communities. Californians are encouraged to join #CaliforniansForAll by signing up at californiansforall.ca.gov.
Participants will receive an email from California Volunteers with information on what they can do in real time to help, and those who opt into volunteer will be contacted by local nonprofit partners when opportunities open up in their area.
FEMA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are collecting and sharing best practices and lessons learned from the whole-of-America response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The FEMA Coronavirus Emergency Management Best Practices page provides a one-stop shop to explore best practices and lessons learned across all levels of government, private sector, academic institutions, professional associations, and other organizations.
What to do if you think you are sick: Call ahead: If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or shortness of breath) and may have had contact with a person with COVID-19, or recently traveled to an area with apparent community spread, call your health care provider before seeking medical care so that appropriate precautions can be taken.
• Humboldt County Department of Public Health: (707) 268-2182 or (707) 445-6200
• Del Norte County Department of Public Health: (707) 464-0861 or (707) 464-3191
• Potawot Health Village: (707) 825-5000
• Crescent City Clinic: (707) 464-2750
• Smith River Clinic: (707) 487-0215
• Klamath Clinic: (707) 482-2181
• Eureka Clinic: (707) 442-0380
• Weitchpec Clinic: (530) 625-4300
Actions Taken by YT Government:
• The Yurok Tribe has approved the hiring of a Tribal member contractor to clear the flat at Tulley Creek (West side of YHSS building/Tulley Creek Firehouse) The contractor has started the project. Emergency Protective Measures due to COVID -19 and Emergency Response Services units (Connex boxes) for Food Distribution for upriver residents will be located at the site.
• The Yurok Tribal Council declared a state of emergency due to the COVID19 pandemic through Resolution 20-28 on March 13, 2020.
• The Yurok Tribe issued a Stay at Home Order on March 19, 2020 that coincides with California Governor Newsom’s order also issued on March 19, 2020.
• Chairman Joseph L. James issued an emergency reservation closure order on April 4, 2020, this Resolution Number 20-43 was approved at a duly called meeting of the Yurok Tribal Council on April 6, 2020, at which a quorum was present and that this Resolution Number 20-43 was adopted by a vote of 8 for and 0 opposed and 0 abstentions in accordance with Article IV, Section 5(j) of the Constitution of the Yurok Tribe. This Resolution Number 20-43 has not been rescinded or amended in any way.
• Curfew hours during the closure 10 p.m.-4 a.m.
• Yurok Tribal Council and Yurok Office of Emergency Services has requested FEMA assistance.
• For more information call the Yurok Tribe Covid-19 Toll Free Hotline at: 1-888-225-8952.
COVID-19 IC Team Updates
YHHS Update/Public Health Task Force:
• Elders Response Group, Has received a total of 256 Elder responses to the screening.
• Facilities Unit is working with the re-engagement task force to address what is needed prior to having any additional staff members return to the buildings.
• On 5/11 the re-engagement and facilities units met to lay out the work needed. Work on estimating the needs for non-structural building modifications has begun this week as well. We are getting an estimate for software that will expedite re-organization of office space, track workers’ movements and create workflows that allow for safe work environments and contact tracing among workers.
• CDC technical assistance is on board and reviewing tribal plans and procedures as of Wednesday.
• Plan for Testing, Contact Tracing and Management of COVID-19 Infections has been reviewed by Yurok Staff, and approved by CRIHB’s epidemiologist, Dr. Kim, Dr. Thompson and Michele LewisLusso of UIHS, and Dr. Rehwaldt, Del Norte Public Health. OTA has crafted a confidentiality oath for the staff and is working on issues of HIPAA compliance. The plan is now in front of CDC Technical Assistance for final review. Once the technical review is completed, we will submit the plan to Council for approval.
• The first draft of the Yurok -Tribe-Communicable-Disease-Emergency-Response-Plan and annexes have been submitted to OTA for review and integration with the Tribe’s Public Health Ordinance. When that is completed it will be submitted to CDC Technical Assistance for review.
• We had meetings with DN Public Health and with UIHS & CRIHB to discuss coordination of infection control, surge and contact tracing responses.
• Working with IT and HR, we have developed the job descriptions and budget to stand up a Public Health Unit and perform health checks and contact tracing using a Bluetooth on Yurok language interface.
• UIHS has offered to open dental clinics 1 day each week at Klamath and Weitchpec. It will require work with facilities to ensure air filtration and other modifications are done, but if Council approves urgent care services could start in early June.
• UIHS clinics will be re-opening starting June 1. They will be working at 50% capacity and will be instituting new policies and procedures to ensure staff and client safety. They are also continuing to emphasize telehealth for medical and behavioral health.
• The Yurok Tribe Emergency Public Health Ordinance can be viewed at:
https://yuroktribe.org/documents/EmergencyPublicHealthOrdinanceFinal4-30-2020_signed.pdf
• Yurok Tribe Public Health Task Force Plays Critical Role in COVID-19 Response
The Yurok Covid-19 Incident Command has designated a Yurok Public Health Task Force to assist in initiating prevention, protective and response measures related to the Covid-19 virus.
The task force consists of the following: Dr. Tracy Thompson, United Indian Health Services, Stephanie Weldon, Yurok Social Services, Kate Fischer, Yurok Planning Department, Peggy O’Neill, Yurok Indian Housing Authority, Rod Mendes, Yurok Deputy Incident Commander and Elly Hoopes, Yurok Executive Director. The task force meets daily through Go-to-Meeting conference calls to discuss health issues related to the spread of the Covid-19 within Humboldt and Del Norte Counties.
Dr. Thompson collaborates with both the Humboldt County Public Health Officer and the Del Norte County Public Health Officer to ensure the task force is well informed and that the reservation community has ample care and services as it relates to Covid-19.
The Yurok Public Task Force juggles a variety of topics such as Covid-19 testing, contact tracing, behavioral health, elder care, community access to food, collaborating with outside agencies, identifying essential funding opportunities and services and promoting the safety of tribal employee and community.
• At the request of the Yurok Tribe, Dr. Thompson from United Indian Health Services (UIHS) has been assigned to the Public Health Task Force. This will ensure that both Yurok and UIHS response and action are uniform moving forward.
• Due to the State of Emergency- COVID-19 YHHS programs and services will be provided on a limited basis. The goal is to provide essential program services to the community while maintaining safety. All offices are closed to the public.
• Staff are available to take applications by phone Monday, Wednesday, & Friday from 10:00-3:00. Applications and services for:
• LIHEAP
• General Assistance,
• Burial Assistance
• Tribal Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
Food Distribution
• Every week around 450 food boxes are being distributed to elders living within the service district.
• Yurok Tribe distributed more than 70 family food boxes in front of Redwood Hotel Casino. Tribal and RHC staff organized a drive-through service to safely dispense the food to local community members. Tomorrow more food boxes will be delivered.
• Today at Pek-Tah Fuel Mart in Weitchpec, the Yurok Tribe distributed 65 boxes. Tomorrow more food boxes will be delivered.
• The food distributions in Klamath and Weitchpec are part of the Yurok Tribe’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Yurok Health and Human Services Food Distribution Program is offering a 30-day supply of groceries to income eligible Humboldt and Del Norte County residents. To be eligible, you must be an enrolled member of any federally recognized Tribe and have been laid off or have had work hours reduced due to the public health emergency. Non-Tribal citizens living on the Yurok Reservation are also eligible, so long as they meet the above-listed employment-related criteria. Services for existing Food Distribution Program participants will not be altered and will continue throughout the crisis. The Yurok Food Distribution application can be found here: https://www.yuroktribe.org/…/documen…/fdp_%20application.pdf Applications can also be acquired over the phone by calling (707) 464-1852 or picked up in-person at 190 Nelson Lane in Crescent City.
• Next week, YHHS’s Food Distribution Program will begin delivering disaster food boxes to Tribal citizens in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. All Tribal citizens are eligible for this service. Elders and other vulnerable residents will be served first and the boxes will go out on a weekly basis. Please note that signing up for the 30-day supply of food from the Food Distribution Program is recommended for families and those with dependents. To sign up for a disaster food box, please call 1-888-225-8952.
• Open for regular pick up by appointment ONLY
• Tailgate deliveries will still occur as scheduled
• Taking new applications/clients. Call to make an appointment *Must call to make an appointment due to social distancing. *
TANF
• Monthly Assistance- Current Families will continue to receive cash assistance – Checks will be mailed out by the 1st of each month. Monthly Eligibility Reports (MERs) will be attached to checks. Work participation hours will be waived.
• Supportive Services- Requests will continue to be accepted via phone.
• New Applications & Recertifications- will be scheduled an intake appointment over the phone. Expedited approval/presumptive eligibility for qualified families.
• Employment Training, Wellness, Language/Cultural Activities- all in person activities are temporarily suspended. Program staff are developing at home activities that can be done through web based, live sessions, and packets.
Indian Child Welfare Services
• Social workers will participate in essential services such as family team meetings, court, and one on one case management by phone
• Social Workers will be calling clients with open cases and investigations to check in. Social Workers will also be calling to check in the county Child Welfare Services.
Youth Wellness Program
• Case management activities with active youth will be provided by phone for check in.
• All in person activities are postponed
• The Youth Employment Services (YES) application process is temporarily postponed.
• Staff are working to develop at home activities including online, web based check ins, and planning for future activities.
• All Tribal offices are closed to the public. Staff are available to take applications by phone Monday, Wednesday, & Friday from 10:00-3:00. Please call the Yurok Tribe Covid-19 Toll Free Hotline at: 1-888-225-8952.
Elders Information:
• Today, Nearly 500 emergency food boxes were delivered to Yurok Elders in Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity County.
• Approximately 900 handmade masks are being made for elders. Approximately 200 masks are being made per week to assure that Every Yurok Elder receives one.
• Elders outside of Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity County have received a $50 to assist with purchasing food and essential items.
• The Yurok Tribe is delivering weekly boxes of food and other essential items to Tribal elders that live within the service district of Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity County as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
• YHHS is working with other departments to check in on Yurok elders and coordinate critical responses to resources.
• An Elder Task Force has been established to continue checking up on our most vulnerable populations during this time. You may contact us through the toll free hotline 1-888-225-8952. or you may email us at YurokElders@yuroktribe.nsn.us
• YHHS started Elder outreach coordination on March 17, Elders lists from enrollment were split up between 3 areas; North, South, and East. Volunteers were given elder lists and started contacting Elders as of March 18. The first phase is phone contact (home contact for Pecwan area with no phone access) which is still happening now, gathering needs on an assessment form. The second phase is home visits and deliveries of information and if possible, care packages. Each site lead is compiling the assessments from the volunteers.
• For more information call 1-888-225-8952.
• What we can offer to the elders:
• PPE & thermometers (If in stock & can be ordered)
• Utilities (heating)- Wood, propane, electricity, emergency communication (Can’t guarantee) working with LIHEAP, Forestry, and Elder Advocate Program
• Essential Needs (Basic Food & Basic Toiletries) all the same supplies will be ordered.
• Personal Needs-We can help facilitate-working with UIHS (medi-cal) for long term. Also, not guaranteed, but we can try to help.
• Medical- Prescriptions, transportation to essential appointments- we can help facilitate-working with CHRs, UIHS, Yurok Transit.
To ensure that you receive updates from the Tribe, please update your contact information with Enrollment calling the hotline or email: krystel@yuroktribe.nsn.us
Yurok Tribe Transit Services
Yurok Tribe Transit Service has changed how services are offered.
Dispatch (707)482-073
• Yurok Tribe Transit Service will continue to assist the community by providing medical transportation with the limit of one passenger at a time.
• We will be collaborating with the Yurok Social Services Department to assist outreach to the community as needed.
• Updates will be posted on the Yurok Tribe’s and YTTS Facebook pages or call dispatch (707)482-0731 for information on the current status of transit services.
Yurok Indian Housing Authority (YIHA)
• The Yurok Indian Housing Authority Board of Commissioners (BOC) have taken into consideration the great financial burden and stress that this pandemic has placed upon our community. In response, the Board of Commissioners held their second emergency call-in meeting on April 16th at 9:00am and unanimously taken action to:
• Waive all Rent and Home Loan Payments due for the month of May 2020. All outstanding balances will remain on your account.
• All tenants and homeowners that have balances owed for the period ending March 31, 2020 will receive a blue coupon for past due amounts.
• The majority of Yurok Indian Housing Authority employees continue to work from home. Our Yurok Indian Housing Authority office continues to be closed to the public until it is safe to return to work.
• The Board of Commissioners waived all rent and homeowner payments for the month of April.
• As of March 13, the lobby has been closed to the public and all inquiries need to be made as a call-in or email.
• Program emails should be directed to Rachel Dowd at rdowd@yurokhousing.com.
• If there is an elder emergency or tenant emergency, tribal members can call Kinney Childs III at (707)954-6858.
• Regular business: applications are available on the YIHA website at www.yurokhousing.com and will be processed when staff return to the office.
• Starting April 10, and continuing next week, YIHA is delivering an elder’s shelter-in-place box that includes Kleenex, Tylenol, Cleaning Supplies, Blanket, Crossword book, cough drops, and tea. This will go out to the 51 Elders currently served by the Yurok Indian Housing Authority.
• 10 new homes being constructed in Tulley Creek are continuing construction as an essential service to build new homes for the community.
• There are also two additional individual homes for tribal elders that will be constructed this construction year.
• New Tribal Council Liaison, Council Member Ryan Ray, Requa District will be joining the Yurok Indian Housing Authority meetings. The April meeting was cancelled but YIHA will be working to have a May meeting on the second Tuesday of the May as a call-in “GO-TO” meeting.
Public Safety Update (Yurok Tribal Police)
• Continue to patrol and enforce YT Stay at home order and Reservation Closed to nonresidents.
• 5/4/20-Issued a cease and desist letter to the Log Cabin Diner in Klamath. The restaurant has been offering dine in service.
Operations Update:
• Assisted UIHS with the Garden starts and seed giveaway and delivered elder food boxes.
• For the work week beginning May 11, 2020 the community service group delivered approximately 2 cords of wood total, to three Yurok Elders living in the East and Weitchpec districts. Currently, the community service group is preparing an additional 3 cords, for another 6 Yurok elders wood deliveries in the East district.
• With the help from the volunteers, and the Yurok Forestry-Fire staff we delivered approximately 151 Elder food boxes to Yurok Elders living in the Pecwan, Weitchpec, Orleans, Hoopa, Salyer, Willow Creek, Burnt Ranch and Hayfork areas. We have another 10 food boxes that will be delivered this afternoon, which will bring the total to 161 Elder food box deliveries this week.
• The Yurok Incident Management Team’s PIO Teresa Mitchell, and Matt Mais have been providing daily updates each day that are sent to myself, then distributed amongst the rest of the staff to populate the message boards. The community message boards were updated each day this week with the help of Che’shepe James-Robins, and Richard Meyers.
• 61 total elder firewood deliveries. (since March 23)
• For more information call 1-888-225-8952
Logistics Section Update:
• Bubbles order of 100 gallons of liquid sanitizer was made and received 20 gallons so far. -Maintenance, Forestry, Fiscal, SS, YEDC, RHC, Executive/Admin, Transit helped with 473 Elder Food Box Delivery (Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity) -Cleaning and organizing of the food prep areas -Made backorders for spray bottles, disinfecting wipes, Lysol spray.
• Distributed PPE Supplies to Tulley Creek for Elder Food Box Distribution
• Distributed other PPE for elder food staff deliveries
• On 5/8/2020 received 2 ½ Pallets from FEMA of Small and XL Gloves along with a pallet of 3M Masks from FEMA
• Assisted with mailing Masks to Elders (First wave to some in Service Area)
• Low on Disinfecting Wipes (we are ordering more on backorder)
• 493 Elder Food Boxes were distributed
Yurok Education Task Force Update:
• Education is working with local school districts of KTJUSD, Del Norte, other school districts as well as our own Yurok IT staff to push for kids to be connected to the internet and have all they need for Distance Learning.
• Weekly learning packets and weekly food bags: Head Start staff, Yurok language staff and Boys and Girls Club staff are providing weekly learning packets for students to do at home, as well learning videos and activities-resources for students to do at home.
• Lunches and snacks are also being provided to the homes for Head Start and Boys and Girls Club students.
• Education is working to support all of our students at home and check on their welfare. Schools are continuing to require work from the students now. Most have frozen the grades, from when the crises began, and students can do no worse then what they had when the crises began. We are assessing student needs, from food, and computer and internet needs.
• Education is working on making contact with all Yurok students and assisting in locating students that have been unreachable. Jim is also working on assisting students that are in need of additional technology to continue to do school work. Education is working on providing a virtual acknowledgment for Yurok students who are graduating this year. Graduation sashes are already in and will be distributed soon.
• Education working on multiple grants available for distance learning
• Established an Education Task Force
• Yurok Education is providing resources for students to do at a distance including learning videos for Facebook, YouTube and other virtual platforms.
• Take home learning packets for Head Start students.
• Education is also offering tutoring support in Google virtual rooms, Yurok language lessons, and other avenues.
• The Education Department has compiled a list of remote learning resource that can be found here: https://www.yurokoes.org/resources
Planning Section Update:
• Facilitated Daily 0800 Briefing Calls Monday-Friday Attended IC Workgroup Session (lost signal due to stormy weather) Requested 214 Reports from ICS Will uploaded and record IC-214 Reports to COVID-19 Database . I am continuing to receive today. I have decided it is more efficient to request & collect ICS-214 per pay-period (2 weeks activity) rather than weekly. Results of Meeting with Fiscal (Steve & Cassie): Determined that the weekly info they have begun requesting of Departments was much more accurate than the 214’s that have been submitted
• Goal: to obtain accurate costs & backup documentation associated with ALL Covid-19 related activities by both ICS and Yurok Staff to ensure highest rate of FEMA reimbursement.
Legal Officer Update:
• Reviewed Trinity Valley draft contract *Reviewed Del Norte County variance request *Maggie did a COVID and elections webinar *Met with Council and Elections department on how to handle tribal elections this summer and fall *Maggie participated on a call with CRIHB on contact tracing *Reopening Taskforce *Public Health Taskforce *Meeting with IT on work from home needs *IC work session on Tuesday *Met with council Wednesday re CARES Act funding, follow up emails on funding rules.
• Reviewed HIPAA requirements for the Public Health Taskforce.
• Drafted contact tracing confidentiality agreement.
• Completed 213 RR form to order PPE for legal office.
Information & Intelligence Update:
• Negotiating with Resighini to get them Broadband service.
• Decommissioning physical servers- transferring service to virtual server Setup network for New Crescent City building. Site is ready to have staff working when that is needed
• Met with Application Developer about Contact Tracing app for the tribe.
• Drafted Job Descriptions for Contact Tracers.
• Working with 365 vendor to implement. First stage done, licenses added and we’re now able to access internal websites without needing VPN.
• Meeting with FirstNet and ATT about cell service on the Reservation.
• Working on developing tools to enable work from home monitoring, time keeping, and project management.
• Also working on establishing a better internet connection to the Weitchpec area and trying to establish internet capabilities to areas of the reservation currently without any internet access.
• Yurok Connect is working on reestablishing internet service to customers that were disconnected just prior to the COVID-19 emergency.
• Yurok Connect is waiving all fees for internet services to current customers for the month of April and May. In addition, there will be no shut offs for nonpayment during the current public health crisis. Email Yurokconnect@yuroktribe.nsn.us for any questions or problems with your Yurok Connect service.
• Continues to work on getting telephone and/or broadband services to the Wautec area. Info/Intel is currently working with contractors, and the FCC to obtain access to a frequency only made available during emergencies that could help get a signal into Wautec. Equipment will be needed as well as a tower constructed, but this should be coming together in the next weeks and months.
Public Information Officer Update:
• The PIO published positive content on average of twice a day, every day to the Tribe’s social media
• PIO continues to produce YOES update.
• Matt wrote and distributed the press release regarding reminder that the reservation is closed to nonresidents.
• PIO photographed and recorded video of the assembly and delivery of the elder food boxes. Matt followed one of the drivers around on her route to get pictures of the process. The footage and photos were edited into a single video, which was published on Facebook.
• Today, Teresa took photos of the UIHS garden starts and seed giveaway. Working on editing them and getting them posted to FB.
• Continue to provide daily information related to COVID-19 to be distributed on all message boards.
• Also, we continue to share UIHS services on our social media platforms.
• PIO recorded 5 videos of younger Education Department staff and Yurok college students talking about why those in school should make every effort finish the school year strong. I am editing the videos and sharing them every other day.
• Photographed a team delivering firewood at a Tribal elder’s house. The photos were edited and posted to Facebook. North Coast News aired the photos on the evening news.
• The PIO’s are engaged in the back-to-work planning process
• Requested testing information from Valerie at UIHS. Once it’s received we will help promote current testing abilities.
• Met via Zoom with UIHS and Yurok crew to discuss vegetable start disbursement. We will help promote the distribution once we have received all applicable information to do so.
• The most consequential accomplishment last week was the Chairman’s presentation to the National Congress of American Indians. PIO worked on the PowerPoint presentation and talking points to accompany it. The Tribal Governments in Action panel discussion was promoted on the Tribe’s primary Facebook page before and after the event. More than 600 people viewed the presentation. PIO also photographed and video recorded the Chairman’s participation on the panel.
• PIO provides daily COVID-19 Sit Sat report and distributes.
• Provides daily updates from all local, state and Tribal partners to Operations to populate the message boards.
• Populating the Tribe’s social media with useful content.
• Making culturally appropriate graphics to inform Tribal citizens about the threat posed by the coronavirus.
• On an ongoing basis, PIO is covering the construction at the Tulley Creek site.
• PIO is drafting all press releases for COVID-19 IMO and for the Govt side of operations.
• Captured photos and videos of last week’s elder food boxes being assembled. The photos and video were edited and shared on the Tribe’s Facebook page.
Yurok Tribal Court:
Programs and services are still operational during this time. The Yurok Justice Center and all offices are currently physically closed to the public. You may contact the Clerk’s Office e-mail at CourtClerk@yuroktribe.nsn.us or call (707) 482-1350 ext. 1406.
Yurok Tribal Court-Behavioral & Mental Health Services:
• Yurok Tribe Youth At-Risk Program Bessie @ (707) 951-9372 bshorty@yuroktribe.nsn.us
• Yurok Wellness Counselor (Adults) Tayonna Buck (South District) tbuck@yuroktribe.nsn.us (707) 951-2978.
• Yurok Wellness Counselor (Youth/Adults) Melinda (North/East District) Mescarcega@yuroktribe.nsn.us
• Yurok Wellness Counselor (Youth/Adults) Marie (North District) Mdecora@yuroktribe.nsn.us (707) 458-5911
Community Updates
Humboldt County
• Today, 2 additional Humboldt County residents tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 88.
• Humboldt County now has 2 confirmed COVID-19 related deaths.
• The state has authorized some Humboldt County businesses with lower COVID-19 exposure risk to begin reopening on Friday, May 8. Qualifying businesses must have modifications in place to protect the health and safety of both employees and customers.
• The first stage of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s four-stage reopening plan has been in place since the statewide Stay-at-Home Order took effect on March 16. Stage Two will begin Friday with what the Governor calls a “soft opening” to gradually reopen certain businesses. This first part of Stage Two will allow the reopening of most retail businesses that are able to serve customers curbside or through delivery as well as logistics and manufacturing supports for retail businesses. According to the state’s plan, businesses that can reopen on Friday, May 8, with modifications in place include:
• Most retail businesses (may open for curbside or delivery only) o Florists, toy stores, sporting goods stores, bookstores and clothing stores are a few examples of Shopping malls and seated dining services cannot reopen per the state Stay-atHome Order
• Businesses that provide logistical and manufacturing support for retail businesses.
• Businesses that plan to reopen on Friday, May 8, should have the following measures in place prior to reopening: • Wearing and requiring facial coverings for all employees and customers in accordance with the Order of the Health Officer • Allowing for six feet of social distancing at all times for employees and customers • Providing access to handwashing and hand sanitizer for employees and customers • Frequently cleaning and sanitizing the facility following CDC reopening guidelines.
OptumServe Testing Site Open For Business
• Humboldt County residents can now schedule a COVID-19 test at the new OptumServe Testing site at Redwood Acres Fairgrounds in Eureka. The State of California and the COVID-19 Testing Task Force have joined forces with OptumServe and Humboldt County to expand testing services in underserved and undertested communities and for some of the state’s most vulnerable patients.
• People who are not currently ill or are mildly ill can go online and schedule testing. Priority is given to those who are high risk because of their age (65 and older) or have chronic conditions, and for health care workers, first responders and other social service workers. Individuals who work in congregate care settings like nursing homes, jails and shelters are also a priority, as well as frontline workers in essential services such as utility workers, grocery store staff, food supply workers and other employees who work directly with the public.
• People who work in high risk settings such as health care, congregate settings or first responders should contact their provider or Public Health for recommendations about testing even if symptoms are mild. It may be more appropriate to be tested through the Public Health Lab which typically has a faster turnaround time. People who fit the testing criteria and are interested in getting a test can schedule an appointment online or by phone. Please note that phone registration will be used only for people without internet access.
• If an individual has medical insurance, OptumServe will bill the patient’s medical insurance company. Uninsured individuals may also use the community test site, and their tests will be paid for by the state. Copays and deductibles do not apply to this visit. No fees will be collected on-site or billed to the individual being tested.
• Redwood Acres Fairgrounds is located at 3750 Harris St. in Eureka. Please park in the lot
• Humboldt County residents are encouraged to take a community survey to give county leaders feedback on the types of non-essential businesses they would like to see reopen first once the state’s Stay-at-Home Order is relaxed.
• To reduce risk to public health, Humboldt County plans to reopen non-essential businesses and services in phases. The county is currently in Phase One, shelter in place, with Phase Two being the first group of businesses to reopen. In order to move on to Phase Two and beyond, the state must first roll back its Stay-At-Home Order.
• As part of local officials’ planning process for reopening Humboldt County, residents are asked to complete the community survey and recommend nonessential businesses for reopening by phase. As residents submit their feedback, they are asked to consider the following: • Lower-risk businesses will likely be opened first. • Businesses opening early in this process will be required and should be able to incorporate social distancing and other safety measures from start to finish, including: o Masking or facial covering for all employees o Limiting foot traffic to allow 6 feet of social distancing at all times o Safe spacing of customers when outdoors o Easy availability of hand sanitizer for employees and customers
• Availability of handwashing for employees and customers o Frequent cleaning and sanitizing of the facility • Employers will need to have a plan to keep employees out of the workplace if they get sick.
• Residents can access the Community Survey on Non-Essential Business Reopening at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/DXDVYJN.
• Humboldt County’s EOC team has the first state-sponsored remote COVID-19 testing facility was opened today in Eureka to begin testing medical personnel and first responders (appointments are being scheduled by employers). The EOC is seeking to expand services at this new site so that within several weeks, members of the public may be tested.
• Per The County Health Officer’s 4/21/20 Order: Effective (4/24/20), All persons shall wear facial coverings before they enter any indoor facility besides their residence, any enclosed open space, or while outdoors when the person is unable to maintain a six-foot distance from another person at all times.
Trinity County:
• Trinity County has 1 confirmed cases. To view press release visit:
https://www.trinitycounty.org/sites/default/files/Public_Health/Documents/Covid/Trinity_County_Press_Release_5.12.20.pdf
• To view the full press release visit:
• https://www.trinitycounty.org/sites/default/files/Public_Health/Documents/Covid/Trinity%20County%20Press%20Release%205.11.20.pdf
• As of May 7, 2020 Trinity County still has zero confirmed cases of COVID-19
• The Yurok Tribe has employees currently working in Trinity County
• Health Officer of the County of Trinity amends and replaces the order dealing with Real Estate Services and related Settlement Services made on March 30, 2020 with an updated order dated April 21, 2020, as described below to become effective immediately.
• A determination has been made by the Trinity County Health Officer that REAL ESTATE SERVICES, and related SETTLEMENT SERVICES are now included in the essential services and critical infrastructure status in Trinity County, to view the full content visit: https://www.trinitycounty.org/sites/default/files/Public_Health/Documents/Covid/Amend_and_Replace_HOO_4-21-2020.pdf
• Trinity County Health and Human Services (HHS) Public Health Branch (PHB), and the Office of Emergency Services (OES) continue to work together in coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The Governor’s Order and Trinity County Health Officer Order can be viewed in full at www.trinitycounty.org
• You can track local statistics and information at www.trinitycounty.org
• Contact Trinity County Public Health Branch at (530) 623 – 8235 with questions or concerns.
Del Norte Public Health Officer:
• As of May 20, Del Norte County has had 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19
• As of May 5, 2019 three of the known cases have recovered
• 4/27/2020: Public Health Officer Dr. Warren Rehwaldt address a new confirmed case in Del Norte County who is recovering at home. Contact tracing is used to find, and inform anyone who has been in close contact that they may also need to isolate. A guidance document has been put together and is being reviewed for relaxing some of the restrictions. He again asks that people continue to enjoy the outdoors, while social distancing yourselves. Read the Full Letter
• Del Norte County Public Health Officer Dr. Warren Rehwaldt gives an update to the community regarding COVID-19. With almost 250 tests done we still only have 2 confirmed cases. He informs the community that the Federal Government is working on plans to re-open the country with “gating criteria.” We have created a new “normal” of how businesses can function, and he gives key principles on how this can be done moving forward. He encourages all community members to read the White House documents that were released last week to update themselves on the current conditions of COVID-19 for our Country. Read the full letter.
• Letter to residents of Del Norte County: https://docs.google.com/a/co.del-norte.ca.us/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=Y28uZGVsLW5vcnRlLmNhLnVzfGRuY298Z3g6MTMyMWUyZmIxN2UwNmI5Mg
• Del Norte County has set up a COVID-19 information line to answer our community's questions about the coronavirus that is causing COVID-19. COVID-19 Information Line: 707-464-091.
Change in Fuel Mart(s) Hours of Operation as of April 26, 2020
• RHC Abalone Restaurant will start doing takeout as of 5/18/2020 Monday--Friday 11AM to 6PM for takeout.
• Pem-Mey Fuel Mart in Klamath is open 8 a.m. – 8p.m. Full service fuel, groceries and convenient store items: Available by placing a phone order, or ordering items at the store window. To place a phone order at Pem-Mey, please call: (707)482-3510.
• Pek-Tah Fuel Mart in Weitchpec is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Full service fuel, groceries and convenient store items: Available by placing a phone order, or ordering items at the store window. To place an order at Pek-Tah, please call: (530) 625-4173.
• Fuel is available after hours by paying with a credit card at the pump.
The leadership, and many dedicated staff are tireless in their efforts to mitigate a very difficult situation. The Yurok Tribe is working to stay ahead of the curve. The Yurok Office of Emergence Services is providing regular updates to the upriver and downriver communities via the Tribe’s social media pages, local sandwich board notification stations and at yurokoes.org.
For more information regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic please visit:
www.yurokoes.org
https://humboldtgov.org/2018/Humboldt-Health-Alert
http://www.co.del-norte.ca.us/departments/health-human-services/public-health
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
http://www.oesnews.com/
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