PABLO — The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council is providing an update on some changes and information to prepare for the coronavrius.
A new online resource has been set up by the tribe – which can be found here – to provide the latest information on COVID-19. The Tribal Council also announced several actions following a Sunday special meeting to further protect the tribal community from the coronavirus.
All Tribal employees are encouraged to consider working from home and telecommuting with supervisory approval for the next two weeks. Additionally, the Council also took action to support the Nk͏ʷusm board, which decided the school will be closed for two weeks.
A letter posted by the CSKT Tribal Health Department states “the longer we can keep this viral infection away and limit our exposure, the greater service we provide. This is not convenient for anyone. Disruptions to work and essential services will happen, but if we can slow the infection and minimize the impact now, these inconveniences will be worth the effort.”
Here’s a list of actions that the CSKT announced:
- All Tribal employees are encouraged to consider working from home and telecommuting with supervisory approval for the next two weeks. Telecommuting will not work for all positions, but if it’s an option, please explore. This action extends two weeks from March 15.
- Council took action to support the Nk͏ʷusm board, which decided the school will be closed for two weeks.
- Council directed the S&K Gaming Board to bring forward a plan Monday on closing the casino operations at Gray Wolf and KwaTaqNuk for two weeks. Such a closure involves a complicated system of cost and employee concerns, which must be worked out. Considerations will be made to ease the financial impact on employees.
- Two Eagle River School is currently on spring break until March 23. Council recommends the board bring in a plan to keep the school shut down for an additional week. There are considerations to navigate regarding remote Internet access and meal services provided to students.
- Council directed the Early Childhood Services Department Head to present a plan Monday for encouraging employees to work from home when possible and discuss potential facility closures.
- Council directed the Maintenance Director to adjust work schedules for roving cleaners who ensure public spaces and offices in Pablo are constantly cleaned and wiped down to further limit potential exposure to the coronavirus.
- The Department of Human Resource Development, (DHRD) was directed to come in Monday with a plan to work on providing services and protecting elders and vulnerable populations as defined by CDC guidelines (those with immune deficiencies and respiratory conditions).