Dear Citizens of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana,
The global pandemic of Novel Coronavirus, known as COVID-19, has hit our home state of Louisiana hard with an infection rate that is exceeding the rest of the country. We now must take urgent additional steps to protect our Community.
After careful deliberation, and in consultation with healthcare authorities and our local, state and federal partners, the Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Council advises all Tribal Members to self-isolate by remaining at home for a period of at least two weeks. Please only leave your home for emergencies, such as seeking necessary medical attention or to purchase essential goods and services. Also, please refrain from any unnecessary gatherings. Tribal members are allowed to vote on April 5th for the Tribal Council elections, however.
We recognize this stay-at-home request, along with prior orders closing schools, canceling Tribal events and enacting other restrictions, impacts each of our daily lives. Everyone has seen the devastation in communities where COVID-19 has become prevalent. We must do everything we can to stop the spread of this illness to protect our elders, children and fellow Citizens. Lives are at stake.
The good news is we as individuals can do our part to help break the chain of virus transmission by doing something simple: staying at home. This will help prevent Tribal and regional healthcare facilities from becoming overwhelmed with patients requiring attention.
This is a time for smart action, not fear or panic. Measures already enacted have closed or canceled non-essential Tribal offices and events and eliminated non-essential travel by Tribal employees. Please check Tribal and State websites for the latest on services and programs.
Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is a monumental task, but this is something we can – and must – do together. Thank you to the incredible doctors, nurses and other members of the medical community who are fighting at all hours to contain the spread of COVID-19 and treat those who have tested positive. Thank you, also, to the first responders, essential personnel and employees who are joining in this effort to protect our community. The small sacrifice we make together will help ensure our community emerges from this challenge stronger and more unified than ever.
Sincerely,
Chairman Marshall Pierite
A Letter from The Tunica-Biloxi Tribal Council to All Tunica-Biloxi Citizens
