YUROK TRIBE PRESS RELEASE California Statewide Shelter In Place

March 19, 2020

The Yurok Tribe wants all members aware of Governor Newsom's Shelter in Place Order, effective this evening at 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. At this time Humboldt County has had one confirmed case and that patient has recovered.

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.

Yurok OES Pandemic Task Force is currently collecting information to formulate critical needs objectives, as well as strategic planning in order to respond appropriately to compiled elder and community needs. There were several meetings and interagency phone calls for guidance and resource requests. The 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. Although there are no current confirmed cases in Humboldt or Del Norte County, 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