The U.S overall has recently seen some of the largest single-day increases of COVID-19 cases. As the Summer months are now upon us, we have also seen an increase in local tourism as well. With this increased tourist activity, travelers from various regions within the U.S are potentially arriving from areas with high case counts of COVID-19. Although the positive cases are increasing in various parts of the U.S, our tribe has been able to maintain relatively low case counts through our pro-active approach towards preparedness and response. The messaging and efforts from the tribes emergency management department have been largely focused on the importance of getting tested, wearing PPE, social distancing and good hygiene.
It is extremely important for our tribal community to continue getting tested, especially those who have any symptoms that may be from COVID-19 (fever, 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, diarrhea). In order to help stem the spread of the Coronavirus it is important to know where the virus is located. The purpose behind community testing is to identify which individuals have the virus so they can be separated from individuals who do not have the virus and thus help stop the spread of the disease and save lives. To schedule a COVID-19 test please contact the IHS scheduling line @ 508-539-2561.
With increased availability of testing, it is possible that a tribal member could be tested at a site outside of the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Health Service Unit (IHS). In the event that a tribal member does test positive, whether at IHS or at another COVID-19 testing site, and assistance is needed regarding food, PPE and other essentials while in isolation or for guidance on COVID-19 quarantine procedures, the MWT Emergency Management Department is available to coordinate in these efforts.
If as a Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal member you have tested positive at a site outside of the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Health Service Unit (IHS), please consider sharing that information with the IHS clinic 508-539-2561 so that we are able to gain a better overall understanding of our tribes positive case data as it compares to the overall state testing numbers.
In addition to the importance of getting tested we must continue to wear masks or cloth face coverings, continue to practice social distancing and continue to practice good hygiene. I understand how much more of a burden these extra daily steps are and have been now for the past few months. These extra precautions are vital to the overall health and safety of our tribal community and most of all our tribal elders and most vulnerable members.
Please feel free to contact the MWT Emergency Management Department at 508-477-0208 Ext 103 for any COVID-19 related assistance.
