In just the past 30 days, the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the Cherokee Nation rose from 219 to 684. Much of the increase is attributed to gatherings where social-distancing measures and proper mask usage have not been observed, according to contact tracing efforts by the tribe’s Public Health team.

The Cherokee Nation is encouraging Cherokee citizens and the community to use an abundance of caution and continue to take safety practices as the number of positive COVID-19 cases recorded in the tribe’s health care system has increased by more than 200 percent from June 27 to July 27.

Data collected by Cherokee Nation Public Health show that Cherokee citizens who fail to follow proper social distancing guidance and who are not wearing masks are coming into contact with COVID-19 in specific locations. These include faith-based activities; family gatherings including birthday parties, weddings and funerals; restaurants, bars and community dinners; student activities such as sporting events, proms and graduations; carpooling; and workplace settings.

Health experts say proper safety measures include wearing a mask, being in the presence of others for no longer than 15 minutes while maintaining at least 6 feet of distance, and frequently washing hands.

“As the number of positive cases quickly rises in the Cherokee Nation, we need to be more prepared than ever to make tough decisions and avoid specific activities whenever possible until the risk of community spread has diminished,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “This is especially difficult for Cherokees because fellowship and family are so engrained in our culture. Following guidelines and recommendations from our health care and scientific experts is absolutely critical to keeping us safe and healthy, including our Cherokee elders and speakers who are often among the most vulnerable to this deadly virus. Now more than ever I ask you as fellow Cherokees to help us stop the spread of this virus throughout our communities. Please, wear a mask and keep a safe social distance if you must be around other people, and wash your hands as often as possible. These simple tasks may save your life and the lives of your fellow Cherokees.”

Knowing the risks associated with a particular gathering or event, and choosing only to visit those that are practicing proper safety protections, can help to prevent exposure to COVID-19 in Cherokee communities.

“Before participating in any gathering, ask yourself these simple questions to evaluate the risk of being exposed, or exposing someone else, to COVID-19: Do I have symptoms? Do I really need to go out or travel? Who are the people I will be around? Is my destination spacious and well-ventilated? Does my destination practice screening, hygiene, mask-wearing and social-distancing? When it comes to COVID-19, it’s best to be wise and to assess your risks rather than to be unconcerned,” said Lisa Pivec, Senior Director of Cherokee Nation Public Health.

On July 29, the Cherokee Nation Child Development Center in Tahlequah was closed after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation also temporarily closed its Stilwell office after an employee there tested positive for COVID-19. In both cases, anyone who may have been exposed to the employees who tested positive were contacted, and the tribe is utilizing enhanced sanitization practices in both facilities before they reopen.

The Cherokee Nation requires all employees and guests to the tribe’s 150 government offices throughout the reservation to wear masks and follow social-distancing protocols. The tribe is also utilizing temperature screenings of employees and guests at governmental facilities.

The Cherokee Nation has a COVID-19 Call Center at 1-833-528- 0063 and an epidemiology line at 539-234-4030 for more information. Chief Hoskin declared a State of Emergency in the Cherokee Nation due to COVID-19 on March 16 and issued an executive order requiring masks be worn on all Cherokee Nation properties.

The Cherokee Nation has also approved its Respond, Rebuild and Recover COVID-19 relief spending plan to help citizens with emergencies, work programs, student technology, elder utilities, emergency food and more. More information on these relief programs is available at www.cherokee.org and on the tribe’s social media channels, including www.Facebook.com/TheCherokeeNation.