3/13/2020 LEKT COVID-19 Community Update

As of 5pm on 3/12/20 there were no confirmed cases in Clallam County of COVID-19.

To get current information from LEKT about COVID-19 and its impacts, please call 360-452-8471 and press 9.

Threat Level- Low (Cases Identified in Washington State) WE ARE HERE ON 3/12/2020

  • Appoint a Public Information Officer- Keri Ellis, appointed
  • Investigate process to declare “State of Emergency” to allow Federal Resources- Legal & Emergency Management
  • Coordinate with EOC and IHS for medical supplies. Emergency Management, LEHD Community Health
  • Fill pharmacy orders to a 90-day level whenever possible. LEHD Providers
  • Medical transports through LEHD reviewed for critical need and recommendation given. LEHD, Dr. Austin & Dr. Powell
  • Restrict “Non-Essential” employee travel. Business Committee Approved  Encourage high-risk persons to avoid public gatherings and crowded locations. Public Information Officer
  • Identify high-traffic positions that are also considered high risk employees. Tribal Operations Officer
  • 30-45 minute sanitation cycles for public areas. Tribal Employees
  • Suspension of all public meetings and gatherings of 10 or more persons EFFECTIVE 3-14-2020 Business Committee Approved

We continue to coordinate potential in-home support (groceries, essential household supplies) to Elders who are ill or are high-risk for severe illness.

Because there is a pandemic threat, additional resources are currently being reserved in expectation of more aggressive isolation recommendations.

How to Protect Yourself and Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds) Use hand sanitizer (60% or greater alcohol content) when hand washing is not available.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces
  • Stay home if you are sick (fever, dry cough, shortness of breath)
  • Call in before visiting a medical facility
  • Get plenty of rest, drink fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage stress
  • If immunocompromised, 60 plus years of age, or pregnant, opt out of attending crowded social functions (Clallam County Health & Human Services recommendation)

Where to continue to find trusted external information Our trusted sources of information include:

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html)

  • Washington Department of Health

(https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/Coronavirus)

  • Clallam County Health Department

(http://www.clallam.net/coronavirus/index.html) County Hotline 360-417-2430

LEKT is working to keep the community safe and healthy by:

  • Researching/pursuing resources that can be reasonably utilized for emergency needs.
  • Weighing public health risks against continuing to provide public services. Utilizing all Tribal Departments and supporting their efforts combating the spread of COVID- 19 and preparing for community assistance when needed.

Maintaining valid information and consistently providing it to the community.

Keri Ellis, LEKT        Public Information COVID-19         3/13/2020