As many of you may be aware there has been a recent increase of positive Covid-19 cases within our Tribal Community. We understand that during these difficult times while our Tribal Community is grieving through such a difficult loss, it is hard to not comfort and console one another. As there is still continued community spread, it is critical to ensure that we are all still maintaining physical distancing, wearing face coverings and avoiding group gatherings especially with individuals outside of our immediate households..
Sending Prayers of Comfort for Okemos
It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss that we send our sympathies and offer condolences to the family of Okemos Brown, son of Kendall Scott. We know he will journey safely to Creator and return to all of his People who are there. To his family and tribe left here to mourn this tragic, untimely loss, we send prayers of comfort.
COVID-19 Community Surge Update from MWT Emergency Management
The daily new case numbers in Barnstable County, surrounding counties and our Tribal Community remain high and remain in an upward trend. Yesterday alone the Mass. Department of Public Health reported 114 new cases for Barnstable County. Last weekend Barnstable County's 3-day new case tally set another new record--481 cases were recorded between 1/8 and 1/10. The Mashpee Wampanoag Indian Health Service Unit reported an additional 8 positive cases this week with additional members of our Tribal Community reporting positive cases from outside clinical testing. We have some members of our Tribal Community now in Quarantine and Isolation in addition to hospitalization.
Of concern is the large proportion of hospitalized COVID patients in the ICU on Cape Cod and it is notable that nearly all patients in the ICU at this time are on ventilators--a sobering indicator of the seriousness of their conditions. Statewide, of 451 patients in ICUs 271 are ventilated (60%).
We all must all do our part to keep all members of our tribal community safe from this deadly virus especially our most vulnerable members. We are still in the midst of a surge in cases and community spread. Please take COVID-19 very seriously and wear your masks, continuously wash your hands, avoid crowds and practice physical distancing.
If members of our tribal community need personal protective equipment and Covid-19 supplies while in quarantine or isolation, please contact the Emergency Management Department at 508-477-0208 Extension 103.
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Fishermen/Women COVID-19 Relief Funding
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council (MWTC) understands that as a result of the negative impacts of the pandemic, many Mashpee Wampanoag tribal fishermen/women were/are unable to work. And as such, the MWTC deems it necessary to provide Mashpee Wampanoag, licensed, commercial, fishermen/women assistance during this time. The MWTC approves the disbursement of $800.00 relief payments from the Cares Act tribal funds to eligible tribal members. This relief payment is to address direct or indirect fishing-related losses including subsistence, cultural, or ceremonial impacts related to COVID-19.
Toy Giveaway at Tribe
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe will be providing toys for Tribal Children today from 2PM to 7PM. The toys will be for boys and girls in the age range of 0-13 years old, with 2 toys available per child.
The Toy Give Away and pick up process will be conducting in an extremely safe manner due to the current COVID-19 Pandemic and community surge in cases.
