Stockbridge-Munsee issues new COVID-19 health order

Shelter-in-place, social distancing, masks mandated
By: 
NEW Media Staff

The Stockbridge-Munsee Community issued a new health order Tuesday due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases that mandates face masks, social distancing, curfew and limits on gatherings.

The order is in effect until Nov. 30.

“The Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Council recognizes this tribal community is also seeing a surge in positive COVID-19 infections like surrounding areas are experiencing,” Tribal President Shannon Holsey said in a statement.

“The recent public health conditions caused by the COVID-19 virus, a communicable disease, require this Community to implement stricter protective measures until infection rates are better controlled.”

The new order directs people who live on tribal lands, as well as tribal employees who are on leave from work, to isolate and shelter in place at their home.

People are permitted to travel to the extent necessary for medical care, for essential work, or to purchase necessary supplies.

The Oct. 10 tribal election remains scheduled and tribal members are permitted to travel as necessary to vote in the election.

Along with the requirement to shelter in place, the Community is required to comply with the following measures in order to limit opportunities for infection.

1. Use face coverings over the nose and mouth when in indoors and in the presence of other individuals. All persons age five or older must wear a face covering when indoors or in an enclosed space, other than a private residence, and another person not from the same household is present in the same room. Exceptions described under the Wisconsin emergency orders shall apply.

2. Use social distancing of at least six 6 feet.

3. Gatherings should be limited to 10 persons or less.

4. If open, public buildings, not including health care facilities and residential buildings, occupancy shall not exceed 50% of capacity.

5. A curfew requiring persons to shelter at home from midnight to 5 a.m. is established. Persons who are away from their homes during curfew hours are considered to be trespassing on tribal lands and subject to enforcement action(s). This curfew does not apply to law enforcement, emergency responders, persons traveling for medical care, or persons permitted to travel for legitimate business purposes.

6. Comply with quarantine and isolation orders. Persons who fail to comply with such orders are considered a public nuisance and subject to enforcement action(s).

7. Stay home when you have COVID-19 type symptoms except to seek medical care.

8. Use good hand hygiene practices. Wash hands when return home and after touching commonly touched public surfaces like doorknobs. Use an alcohol-based hand wash when soap and water is not available.

The tribe also announced temporary closures and other changes in tribal operations available at the link below: