Coronavirus in Arizona: Several tribes declare a state of emergency; many shut down gaming
At least 18 of Arizona's 22 tribes have declared states of emergency in response to COVID-19.
The Navajo Nation and Gila River Indian Community are the only tribes in Arizona to announce they have positive cases of COVID-19 among their tribal citizens, and more tribes have shut down their gaming enterprises and implemented more precautions for their communities.
Ak-Chin Indian Community
The Ak-Chin Community Council declared a state of emergency on March 27 in response to the "growing public health threat" posed by COVID-19.
There are no positive cases of COVID-19 in the Ak-Chin Indian Community, according to a press release.
“This emergency declaration authorizes Ak-Chin leaders to take all steps necessary to protect our people from this dangerous viral outbreak,” Ak-Chin Chairman Robert Miguel said in the press release. “We’ve activated our Emergency Operation Center to centralize the Tribe’s disease response efforts, and now have authorization to utilize all necessary resources, including equipment, manpower and more, to meet this historic challenge."
The state of emergency declaration is the latest action the Ak-Chin Indian Community Council has taken in response to COVID-19. Before the declaration, the tribe closed Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino & Resort and the Ultra-Star Multi-Tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle until at least April 2 and canceled all in-person, community-sponsored events, programs and gatherings.
“We ask that Ak-Chin members take extra care to avoid groups of people, stay home as much as possible, and be vigilant in washing hands and practicing good hygiene," Miguel said. "Be especially mindful of elders, young children and other individuals who may be vulnerable to this disease. We’re all in this together.”
Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe
The Quechan Tribal Council declared a state of emergency on March 27 in an effort to minimize the threat of a potential outbreak and spread of COVID-19 on tribal land.
The tribe will cease all casino operations and reduce the operation of tribal programs and facilities for "the health and safety" of tribal citizens and surrounding communities of Yuma and Imperial counties, according to an update posted by the Quechan Tribal Council.
"A State of Emergency will make it possible to apply for state and federal funds when and if they become available to Tribes," the council stated. "Such funding will make Quechan resources available to help formalize emergency actions that are already underway within the tribal government while assisting the Tribe to prepare for the potential outbreak of COVID-19."
Tribal administration offices are closed to the public, and the council said it's undetermined when employees can report back to work.
"These are trying and uncertain times and we would like to thank our membership, guests and dedicated employees for helping us take the preventative measure for the benefit of many," the council stated.
Pueblo of Zuni
The Zuni Tribal Council declared a state of emergency on March 19.
According to the resolution, all tribal divisions and programs comply with federal and state recommendations related to COVID-19 and have implemented reasonable measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Tribal Emergency Operation manager will implement an Incident Command Team to provide information and recommendations on how to minimize the impacts of COVID-19.
All tribal administrative offices are closed until April 6.
The tribe has not taken any official action to close the Pueblo of Zuni community, but discourages community members from leaving for unnecessary travel.
San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe
The San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe declared a state of emergency on March 17.
The resolution includes the restriction of all government-related travel by tribal employees, as well as the cancellation of any event sponsored by the tribe or gatherings of more than 10 people.
As of March 23, an announcement was posted on the tribe's website indicating that the council will be closed until further notice in an effort to protect the community, elders and staff from COVID-19.
Colorado River Indian Tribes
The Colorado River Tribal Council declared a state of emergency March 13.
There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Colorado River Indian Tribe, according to a community update written by Chairman Dennis Patch.
The tribe announced the temporary closure of the BlueWater Resort & Casino, effective March 20. The facility will reopen in two weeks or when the tribe determines it's safe, the announcement states.
All other tribal enterprises will remain open "under new safety measures."
All tribal departments and enterprises are required to disinfect all surfaces multiple times a day, according to the emergency declaration. Hand sanitizer is available in all departments and enterprises for employees and the public.
Hopi Tribe
The Hopi Tribe declared a state of emergency March 17.
Some of the things the declaration includes are the activation of the Hopi Emergency Response Team, suspension of travel for business for 30 days as well as the cancellation or postponement of all events that gather 50 or more people for the next eight weeks.
All Hopi tribal department managers, village community service administrators and program managers should develop a plan that allows employees to work from home. Vendors will also not be allowed to sell on any tribally owned property.
Hualapai Tribe
The Hualapai Tribal Council declared a state of emergency March 17.
As part of the declaration, an incident command team has been activated to develop a response plan, all non-essential tribal employees will be placed on administrative leave for 14 days and all gatherings of more than 20 people are discouraged.
"The community is not quarantined but we are self-isolating to help prevent the spread of this virus," Incident Commander Melvin Hunter Jr. said in a press release. "Until April 1, non-essential departments will either be closed or have minimal staff available."
Hunter said in a press release that they are encouraging all community members returning home to the Hualapai community from travel or extended absences to check in with EMS for precautionary screening.
San Carlos Apache
The San Carlos Apache Tribe declared a state of emergency March 14.
The tribal council held meetings with health care providers and tribal emergency response officials to determine how best to respond to the pandemic, San Carlos Apache Tribal Chairman Terry Rambler wrote on his Facebook page.
"In these challenging times with this virus that currently does not have a cure, I ask all of us to work together, to look out for each other, and rely on the power of prayer," Rambler wrote.
The resolution ordered tribal government workers to work from home where possible, while others will be placed on paid administrative leave for 30 days to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Gatherings of more than 100 people are barred, with the exclusion of religious or traditional ceremonial gatherings, economic venues such as the Apache Gold Casino Resort and health care services. Most travel by tribal officials has been halted.
As of March 11, the tribe said that two patients were seen at the San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation with COVID-19 symptoms. They were both tested and the results came back negative, according to a press release.
The tribe is preparing for COVID-19, and the medical staff is following the CDC rules for testing, the release states.
The San Carlos Apache Gaming Enterprise has closed its gaming facilities — the Apache Gold Casino Resort and the Apache Sky Casino — from March 19 until April 3, according to Chief Executive Officer Matt Olin.
Fort McDowell Yavapai
The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation declared a state of emergency March 18 and announced the temporary closure of the We-Ko-Pa Casino and Resort and tribal government offices until April 2.
"This was a painful decision as our casino is the economic lifeblood of our Nation," said Bernadine Burnette, president of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
"The global coronavirus crisis threatens the physical health and economic welfare of all Americans. Addressing this crisis requires significant sacrifices from all of us. The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation will do its part to defeat this threat," she said.
The tribe will pay employees with benefits during the shutdown, the press release states. The casino and resort closed March 18, and tribal government offices closed March 19.
The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation closed its senior center March 12 until further notice, according to a release. Only home-bound services will continue, and meals normally served to elders at the center will be delivered.
All gatherings of more than 25 people, including religious services and traditional ceremonies, are now prohibited.
Salt River
The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community declared a state of emergency on March 18.
"An emergency declaration allows the government to act outside normal business practices, for example, normal purchasing procedures do not apply during emergency declarations," said Martin Harvier, president of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, in a video posted on the tribe's Facebook page.
"The SPPIMC government will provide essential services even with this emergency declaration in place," he said.
The tribe activated a command team to deal with the pandemic, said Kim Secakuku, a spokesperson for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
"We have established a hotline for community members to use if they need help or show symptoms," said Secakuku.
The tribal government is providing its citizens and employees with regular updates and information on the virus' spread, as Secakuku noted that "things change daily." The tribe has also canceled community programs and events to prevent disease spread.
The tribe suspended all gaming and resort operations at Talking Stick Resort and Casino Arizona from March 18 to March 31, according to a press release. No employees or guests have been identified with the virus.
Gila River
The tribal council for the Gila River Indian Community announced March 18 that it will be closing all three of its gaming facilities for two weeks.
The salaries and wages for employees impacted by the closure will be maintained for the two-week period, according to the press release.
"The Community Council is aware of the heavy responsibility we bear for the health and well-being of our customers and employees and has determined that this is the best course of action at this time," Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis said.
The tribe declared a state of emergency March 13 in response to COVID-19. This executive order includes suspending all travel for tribal employees for the next 30 days as well as all community-sponsored gatherings of more than 100 people.
"There have been no reported cases of coronavirus within our community," Lewis said in a video posted on Facebook.
He said that information comes from his recent meeting with the Gila River Indian Community's COVID-19 task force, which is made up of the Gila River Health Care Department and Gila River Emergency Management Department.
The Gila River Indian Community developed a website to keep its citizens up to date on anything related to COVID-19. The website is grhc.org and the hotline number is 520-550-6079.
Tohono O'odham
The Tohono O'odham Nation declared a state of emergency on March 13.
Tohono O'odham Chairman Ned Norris announced that under the nation's constitution, he is establishing a "unified command" which will centralize the nation's efforts to respond to the COVID-19 threat to its 28,000 citizens.
On March 18, Norris signed an executive order stating that all the nation's non-essential programs will be closed, non-essential employees are relieved of their work duties with pay and non-essential employees may be detailed to essential employees, as needed, to assist in the efforts of COVID-19. This order will remain in effect until April 23.
The tribe also announced the temporary suspension of all gaming operations starting March 18. The closure will impact all four Desert Diamond Casinos near Tucson, Sahuarita, Why (Ajo), and the West Valley, in Glendale.
“In this unprecedented time, it is our duty to protect the community and collective action is needed to slow this virus," Norris said in a press release.
"I commend the other tribal casinos who are also making tough decisions for their own communities as well," he added. "It is in moments like these that our communities must rise to the challenge by relying on the shared values of compassion, collaboration, and generosity that have inspired us for generations.”
Pascua Yaqui
The Pascua Yaqui Tribe, which has a community and a satellite tribal office in Guadalupe, declared a state of emergency March 19 in response to COVID-19.
The tribe formed an Incident Command System so that all the information coming in about COVID-19 is funneled through a central source so it's accurate and up to date.
“The ICS is comprised of representatives from police, fire, health, IT, communications, among others, who have been authorized by Tribal Council to communicate directly to the community information regarding COVID-19,” said Chairman Robert Valencia in a press release.
The emergency declaration is in addition to the travel restrictions and other preventative measures set in place for the Pascua Yaqui tribal communities. The tribe issued its first health advisory on Jan. 30, then travel restrictions on March 6 with expanded tribal restrictions on March 12.
“It is critically important that we do what we can to protect our community members, especially our most vulnerable members,” Valencia said.
The tribe also ceased all operations at Casino Del Sol from March 18 until April 13.
Tonto Apache Tribe
The Tonto Apache Tribal Council declared a state of emergency on March 18.
All tribal enterprises will be closed as of March 19 for a minimum of two weeks. This includes the tribal government and Mazatzal Hotel & Casino.
The hotel and casino made the announcement on Facebook, indicating that all tribal employees will be on paid leave.
"As one of the largest employers in Payson, we felt it was in the best interests of our employees to be proactive and close our tribal enterprises. We must do our part to prevent the spread of this disease," Chairwoman Jeri DeCola said on her Facebook page.
White Mountain Apache
The White Mountain Apache Nation declared a state of emergency March 19 in response to COVID-19, and the tribe's emergency management group has been activated to manage the public health threat.
There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the White Mountain Apache community, according to the declaration.
The tribe also announced the temporary suspension of gaming operations at Hon-Dah Resort and Casino, effective March 20.
"Out of an abundance of caution; out of concern for Hon-Dah's employees and guests; and in solidarity with local communities and our sister tribes, the Tribal Council finds that temporarily suspending gaming operations at Hon-Dah is in the best interests of the tribe and its members," Chairwoman Gwendena Lee-Gatewood said in a press release.
Yavapai-Apache Nation
The Yavapai Apache Nation declared a state of emergency on March 19.
On March 26, the Yavapai-Apache Nation announced that the tribal government and casino will remain closed until at least April 10.
The tribal government has been closed since March 19.
In a statement from Yavapai-Apache Chairman Jon Huey, all employees will work from home. The tribe closed its casino and hotel operations on March 18.
"As a people, we have historically faced extremely difficult times and were always able to call upon our inner strength to support ourselves and our families," Huey said in his statement. "Together we will do what needs to be done to face the threat and protect our Nation for the brighter days that are surely ahead."
Havasupai Tribe
The Havasupai Tribe declared a state of emergency on March 20. A resolution by the tribal council blocked most travel into the village of Supai, which sits on the floor of the Grand Canyon.
The declaration came five days after the council suspended visits to Havasupai Falls, the world-famous tourist destination that provides the overwhelming majority of the tribe's operating budget. It authorized the tribe to seek federal funding to cover what is expected to be a gaping hole in the tribe's finances.
About 75% of jobs on the Havasupai Nation are based on tourism. The tribe estimates that a 30-day closure of its tourism office and lodge would cut its annual revenue by 7%.
The declaration also sealed off the village of Supai, which is accessible only by helicopter or a hike down the canyon. The tribe will allow only essential personnel into the community, naming employees of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service as examples.
“With an already limited access point, any possible closures or restrictions on movement will wreak havoc on the health, safety, and welfare of Havasupai Tribal Members if it interrupts the flow of food, cleaning, and medical supplies to the Havasupai Reservation,” Havasupai Tribe chairwoman Eva Kissoon said in a statement.
About 426 people live in Supai. Many of them, the declaration notes, are diabetic, asthmatic or have otherwise weakened immune systems.
There is no hospital in Supai. The community is served by a single clinic, which has one physician and two nurses. The declaration notes that there is almost no flu medicine within the community.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Reach the reporter at debra.krol@AZCentral.com or at 602-444-8490. Follow her on Twitter at @debkrol. Reporter Shondiin Silversmith covers Indigenous people and communities in Arizona. Reach her at ssilversmi@arizonarepublic.com and follow her Twitter @DiinSilversmith.
Republic reporter Alden Woods contributed to this article.
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