Coronavirus in Oklahoma: COVID-19 cases on the rise in Cherokee Nation

TAHLEQUAH — Positive COVID-19 cases recorded by the Cherokee Nation's health care system have increased more than 200 percent within just 30 days, prompting Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. to caution tribal members to continue wearing masks and taking other precautions.

“As the number of positive cases quickly rises in the Cherokee Nation, we need to be more prepared than ever to make tough decisions and avoid specific activities whenever possible until the risk of community spread has diminished,” Hoskin said. “This is especially difficult for Cherokees because fellowship and family are so ingrained in our culture.

"Following guidelines and recommendations from our health care and scientific experts is absolutely critical to keeping us safe and healthy, including our Cherokee elders and speakers who are often among the most vulnerable to this deadly virus. ... Please, wear a mask and keep a safe social distance if you must be around other people, and wash your hands as often as possible. These simple tasks may save your life and the lives of your fellow Cherokees.”

Within the past 30 days, the number of positive COVID-19 cases in the Cherokee Nation increased from 219 to 684, the tribe reported.

Much of the increase can be attributed to gatherings where social-distancing measures and proper mask usage have not been observed, according to contact tracing efforts by the tribe’s public health team.

Data collected by Cherokee Nation Public Health show that Cherokee citizens who fail to follow proper social distancing guidance and who are not wearing masks are coming into contact with COVID-19 in specific locations. These include faith-based activities; family gatherings including birthday parties, weddings and funerals; restaurants, bars and community dinners; student activities such as sporting events, proms and graduations; car-pooling; and workplace settings, the tribe said.

“Before participating in any gathering, ask yourself these simple questions to evaluate the risk of being exposed, or exposing someone else, to COVID-19: Do I have symptoms? Do I really need to go out or travel? Who are the people I will be around? Is my destination spacious and well-ventilated? Does my destination practice screening, hygiene, mask-wearing and social-distancing? When it comes to COVID-19, it’s best to be wise and to assess your risks rather than to be unconcerned,” said Lisa Pivec, senior director of Cherokee Nation Public Health.

On July 29, the Cherokee Nation Child Development Center in Tahlequah was closed after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. The Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation also temporarily closed its Stilwell office after an employee there tested positive for COVID-19.

In both cases, individuals who may have been exposed to the employees who tested positive were contacted, and the tribe is utilizing enhanced sanititation practices in both facilities before they reopen, officials said.

The Cherokee Nation requires all employees and guests to the tribe’s 150 government offices throughout the reservation to wear masks and follow social-distancing protocols. The tribe is also utilizing temperature screenings of employees and guests at governmental facilities.

Headquartered in Tahlequah, the Cherokee Nation has more than 380,000 citizens, 11,000 employees and a variety of tribal enterprises ranging from aerospace and defense contracts to entertainment venues.