We all have a responsibility to ensure that we are doing our part to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus within our tribal community, so that we are ultimately able to protect our elders and most vulnerable members. That is why it is so critically important to wear masks, to not gather in large group settings or congregate in gathering areas, practice social distancing, practice good hand hygiene and to quarantine or isolate when it is required.

This is all in an effort to help ensure that we remain healthy and do not have a surge of COVID-19 cases within our tribal community. This virus does not discriminate on race, gender or age, it can impact both children and adults.

Let’s all do our part and take this virus very seriously so that our community remains safe during this pandemic and we are all able to get through these times together, healthy and safe for our current and future generations.

Kutaputush,

Nelson Andrews Jr - Director, Emergency Management – Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

Frequently Asked COVID Questions

Does my negative test result mean I don’t have to be in quarantine anymore?
No, a negative result could mean that you do not have the virus but it is also possible that you may get a false negative (meaning that you do have the virus) . A negative test result can happen if the amount of virus in the sample is too low for the test to detect. This is more likely to happen early on in the illness with COVID-19.

That is why anyone who has been in contact with a positive case should be in quarantine for 14 days from the date of contact with a positive patient.

If I don’t have symptoms can I spread the virus?
Yes

Can children get this virus?
Yes

Why is my work saying I don’t need to be on quarantine?
Different job sites have different policies but current CDC guidelines recommend that anyone who has come into contact with a positive case be in quarantine for 14 days from the contact with a positive case.

What is a home quarantine?
A home quarantine is when your health care provider or public health official tells you and your family to stay home and limit contact with people outside of your household. It’s for people who either are known to have COVID-19 or have been exposed.

What counts as close contact?

You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes
You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
You had direct physical contact with the person (touched, hugged, or kissed them)
You shared eating or drinking utensils
They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you

What should close contacts do?
Close contacts should:

Immediately self-quarantine for 14 days from the last exposure and monitor your health. Self-quarantine means staying home or in isolation quarters, monitoring yourself for illness, and maintaining social distancing (at least 6 feet from others at all times, especially people who are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19).
Watch for symptoms such as fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. Seek medical care if symptoms become severe.
Go and get tested at Indian Health Service (IHS) clinic 508-539-2561 or another healthcare provider. Testing Site Locator HERE

For those who need COVID-19 related assistance with food, personal protective equipment (PPE), or other needs while in quarantine for COVID-19, contact the Emergency Management Department at 508-477-0208 Ext. 103.