GRIC extends partial government closure as well as stay at home orders

Emma Hughes
Gila River Indian News

Tribal Health Department released the Gila River Indian Community’s latest COVID-19 Data Report on Sept. 2, which confirmed 1,961 positive cases and 21 deaths with 805 postive cases for GRIC members. Arizona has reached 203,953 positive case of COVID-19 as of Thursday, Sept. 3.

Due to the increase of COVID-19 cases, the Gila River Indian Community has extended partial closure of all government departments and offices, Executive Order No. 5 and the “Stay-at-Home” Executive Order No.6 until Oct. 4. Anyone living within the Community is ordered to continue to stay home unless they are conducting essential activities such as work, grocery shopping, outdoor physical activity, or caring for a family member, friend, or animal.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone can have mild to severe symptoms and those symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Symptoms may include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, muscle or body aches, nausea or vomiting, new loss of taste or smell. It is important to stay home if you are sick and monitor your symptoms.

Positive cases are high among those 44-years-old and younger, according to data reports by the Tribal Health Department. Continue to wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer, maintain physical distance, wear a face mask when around others to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Testing in the Community continues with more than 70,000 tests completed. Testing has been made available for anyone living or working in the Community. Transportation for Community members residing in the GRIC boundaries can be scheduled at (520) 562-3321 ext. 1384.

For more information on COVID-19 updates in the Community and testing, visit grhc.org/coronavirus or mygilariver.com. The Gila River Indian Community also made text alerts available with updates and reminders on testing, executive orders  and more. Text “GILARIVER” to 797979 to subscribe and stay up to date.