GRIC launches Operation Stay At Home

Emma Hughes

Gila River Indian News

Gila River Indian Community has extended stay-at-home orders until Sept. 7, 2020. Gila River Police Department have begun conducting “operation stay at home” with officers now enforcing the stay-at-home order every weekend until further notice. GRPD officers will be issuing citations for anyone in violation of the Community’s stay-at-home order and warnings will not be given. The strict approach is for the safety of everyone in the Community. Face masks are still required in the Community. 

On Aug. 4, the Community’s Tribal Health Department released another COVID-19 data report. There are now 1,815 positive cases of COVID-19. Of those positive, 751 are Community members and 1,064 non-members. The majority of those positive cases reside off the Community. A total of 54,185 tests have been completed. The report also states there are now 18 deaths among Community members. 

For updates and information regarding the pandemic, text alerts from the Gila River Indian Community are available. Text “GILARIVER” to 797979 to sign up and receive updates on the latest Community COVID-19 data reports, testing information and reminders, important executive orders and more.

With the increase of cases, it is very important to keep you, your family and Community safe not just with the pandemic but also during the extreme summer temperatures. Face masks prevent the spread of COVID-19 but with warmer weather masks can come with excessive sweating and overheating. Carry an extra mask, drink more water than usual and limit your time outdoors in the heat. It is important to keep cool and stay hydrated.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke pose a danger for all ages. Feeling faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, cool, pale, clammy skin and rapid, weak pulse are signs of heat exhaustion. Move to a cool air-conditioned place, drink water, take a cool shower or use a cold compress. Untreated heat exhaustion could lead to a heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke are throbbing headache, no sweat, nausea, vomiting, rapid pulse, hot dry skin, may lose consciousness and body temperatures above 103. Anyone experiencing these symptoms must seek medical help and keep cool until treated.