NEWS RELEASE: CTUIR Incident Command announces new COVID-19 restrictions

This is an official press release from the CTUIR.

A full story from the Confederated Umatilla Journal is forthcoming.

Mission, OR – The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) Incident Command Team approved new directives for the Umatilla Indian Reservation (UIR) in light of the increasing rate of COVID-19 cases across Umatilla County. Changes are effective immediately and will be reviewed weekly.

The community is encouraged to stay at home as much as possible. If you must leave your home you should maintain the highest standards of mask wearing, six foot social distancing and hand washing.

Gatherings are limited to 10 people, indoors and outdoors. Travel is limited to a 75 mile radius unless it is essential. The community is encouraged to limit the frequency of trips to grocery stores and purchase enough food and household supplies to last at least one week.

Nixyáawii Governance Center will continue to provide services with employees working from home unless required to be in the building. Public access to the building is restricted to appointment only.

CTUIR community facilities will remain closed until further notice.

The Longhouse is closed and no services will take place at this time. Families may continue to sweat together with those who reside in the same household but due to the increased risk of transmission, community sweats are not allowed until further notice.

Funerals remain limited to 10 or less. Those conducting funeral services will be responsible for recording who is in attendance. This is necessary for public health infection tracing when attendees transmit COVID-19 to other funeral attendees.

Emergency daycare services currently being provided for children ages 6-10 at Nixyaawii Education Center will end Friday, August 7.

Kayak will continue to operate to support transportation for supplies, groceries, etc.

Wildhorse Resort and Casino will close daily from 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. beginning Tuesday, August 4. Restaurant services at the casino and golf course will be take-out only. The hotel will continue to be open. The gaming floor will remain open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight. Please check the Wildhorse Golf Course website for other restrictions. The Cineplex will be closed as of July 31.

Hamley’s Steakhouse and Birch Creek Golf Course will be open for take-out only. Dine-in service will be closed until further notice. Mission Market will continue to offer drive through service only. Arrowhead Truck Plaza services will not change.

Exercise such as short walks or hikes alone or with members of the same household remain allowable. Maintain a safe distance from those outside your household. Under the current conditions, CTUIR members should exercise their treaty rights with the same precautions.

Updated guidance will be provided at www.ctuircovid.info. Tribal members who may need services should contact the Department of Children and Family Services at 541-969-8413.

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is made up of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Tribes, formed under the Treaty of 1855 at the Walla Walla Valley, 12 statute 945. In 1949, the Tribes adopted a constitutional form of government to protect, preserve and enhance the treaty rights guaranteed under federal statute.