
19 minute read
Public Safety Updates
from GTB NEWS Nov. 2020
by GTB NEWS
G RAND TRAVERSE BAN D LAW ENFORCEMENT
COVID-19 Public Health Frequently Asked Questions Updated 10/28/20
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What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is caused by a new respiratory virus. In December 2019, the virus began circulating in humans. It is important to take action because: - There is no approved vaccine or medication to treat COVID-19 patients. - Isolation and quarantine efforts seem to have reduced new COVID-19 transmission in other countries. - Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death.
I have COVID-19 and have been isolating. When is it safe for me to leave home?
Stay in isolation until you meet all the criteria below: - It has been ten days since your positive test result or ten days since you began showing symptoms.* - You have been fever-free for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medication. - Other symptoms have improved (including cough or shortness of breath). *People with conditions that weaken their immune system might need to stay home longer than 10 days. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information. What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Symptoms may appear in 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Common symptoms are: - Fever or chills - Cough - Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing - Fatigue - Muscle or body aches - Headache - New loss of taste or smell - Sore throat - Congestion or runny nose - Nausea or vomiting - Diarrhea If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19, get medical attention immediately. Emergency warning signs include: - Trouble breathing - Persistent pain or pressure in the chest - New confusion or inability to arouse - Bluish lips or face - This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
How do I monitor myself for symptoms?
Screen yourself for symptoms of respiratory illness such as cough, fever, and shortness of breath. If you develop symptoms and are concerned about your health, contact your healthcare provider or get tested. If you are under an isolation or quarantine order, you will need to report your symptoms to the local health department. - If your local health department or healthcare provider has instructed you to quarantine, stay home and away from others to the extent possible. - If the local health department has instructed you to isolate, you are required to stay home. The MI Symptoms App can help you track your symptoms and keep an eye on your health – while you have symptoms or are healthy.
Should I get tested for COVID-19?
Expanded testing is available across the state as Michigan continues to reopen. To avoid bringing COVID-19 home or spreading it to others in the community, it is especially important you get tested if any of the following is true: - You feel sick - Someone close to you feels sick. - You work outside the home.
Find a testing site at Michigan.gov/CoronavirusTest or call the COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136 for help finding a site near
you.
Should I get tested if I don’t have symptoms of COVID-19?
Expanded testing is available across the state as Michigan continues to reopen. To avoid bringing the virus home or spreading it to others in the community, it is especially important that you get tested if you feel sick, someone close to you feels sick or you work outside the home, even if you don’t have symptoms.
You may also want to talk with your health care provider and think about getting tested for COVID-19 if: - You are entering or already in a group living or congregate care setting (like a nursing home, shelter or other group living home), even if you don’t have symptoms - You are going to the hospital for a surgical procedure, even if you don’t have symptoms
If I have had COVID-19, can I get it again?
If you have had COVID-19, we don’t know how quickly after you recover you might be able to get it again. With viruses similar to COVID-19, typically, people who have had the virus are unlikely to be re-infected shortly after they recover – but we don’t know yet if the same is true for COVID-19.
Are some people at greater risk for getting the virus?
COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Based on what we know now, those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 are: - People aged 65 years and older - People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
People of all ages with underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, including: - People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma - People who have serious heart conditions - People who are immunocompromised - Many conditions can cause a person to be immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications - People with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher) - People with diabetes - People with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis - People with liver disease
* COVID-19 Public Health Frequently asked questions” courtesy of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). are known to be able to survive on surfaces. The length of infectious disease, such as COVID-19, with a population or nationality. COVID-19 does not target people from specific populations, ethnicities, or racial backgrounds.
Is there a correlation of deaths by blood type?
There have been two small research studies done into the correlation between blood type and COVID-19 severity which may indicate that blood type is a factor in the course of disease. However, these studies have not been peer-reviewed and are - Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed
not considered reliable scientific evidence at this time. More research is being done to determine the true impact of blood type in COVID-19 and the best defense is still prevention of transmission.
How does COVID-19 spread?
Health experts are still learning about how this new coronavirus spreads. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person: - Between people who are in close contact (within about six feet) of an ill person. - Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected
Does the coronavirus live on surfaces?
More research is needed on how the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, however, similar viruses time the virus may live on a surface depends on the type of surface (e.g., hard, porous). This is why it is important to wash your hands frequently and disinfect frequently touched surfaces often.
How can I protect myself from getting COVID-19?
There are steps you can take to prevent spread of flu and the common cold that will also help prevent COVID-19, including: - Wash your hands with soap and water. person coughs or sneezes.
hands.
~ Continued on page 20 ~
- It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, then touching their mouth, nose or eyes.
Can the aerosolization of cleaning and disinfection products spread COVID-19? Receive up-to-date information affecting your neighborhoodReceive up-to-date information affecting your neighborhood
There are no studies that indicate whether utilization of aerosol products will spread the virus.
What is considered a close contact?
Here are some examples of close contact: - Caring for, living with or visiting someone who has COVID-19. - Being near someone who has COVID-19 in a confined space if that person is not wearing a mask. - Being coughed or sneezed on by someone who has COVID-19.
Close contact is defined as: a. Being within approximately 6 feet (2 meters) of a COVID-19 case for 15 minutesincluding brief encounters in a Stay instantly informed of Tribal Council updates, scheduled meeting changes, Stay instantly informed of Tribal Council updates, scheduled meeting changes, 24 hour period totaling 15 minutes or more. – or –b. Having direct contact with infectious secretions of a GTB sponsored events, Government weather closures, public safety emergencies and other community information. GTB sponsored events, Government weather closures, public safet emergencies and other community information. COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on). Can I get COVID-19 from a mosquito or tick bite? At this time there is no data to suggest that COVID-19, or Go to the GTB Membership Homepage at http://www.gtbindians.org/member_home.asp and access the web widget. ( You will have to Login as a member to gain access to the Nixle widget.) Go to the GTB Membership Homepage at http://www.gtbindians.org/member_home.asp web widget. ( You will have to Login as a member to gain access to the Nixle widget.) and access the similar coronaviruses, can be spread through a mosquito or tick bite. Enter your Enter your mobile number, email , zip code and hit accept terms and conditions. mobile number, email , zip code and hit accept terms and conditions.
Can the virus that causes COVID-19 spread through
drinking water? You will receive You will receive text message verification from 888777. Follow the sign up prompts. text message verification from 888777. Follow the sign up prompts. The virus that causes COVID-19 has not been detected in drinking water. Conventional water treatment methods that At any time you can text STOP to cancel receiving updates. At any time you can text STOP to cancel receiving updates. use filtration and disinfection, such as those in most municipal drinking water systems, should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19. Simple TrustedSimple Trusted No CostNo Cost Can someone spread the virus without being sick? It’s possible for people to spread the virus for about two days before experiencing signs or symptoms and remain Sign up now! Sign up now! contagious for at least 10 days after signs or symptoms first appeared. If someone is asymptomatic or their symptoms go away, it’s possible to remain contagious for at least Msg & Data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Info: nixle.com. Msg & Data rates may apply. Msg freq varies. Info: nixle.com. 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19. AT&T, T-Mobile®, Sprint, Verizon Wireless & most carriers supported. AT&T, T-Mobile®, Sprint, Verizon Wireless & most carriers supported.
Baashkaadodin Giizis/ ( Freezing Moon)
* COVID-19 Public Health Frequently asked questions” courtesy of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). - Continued from page 19. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, - Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and when coughing or sneezing. sinks. - Avoid contact with people who are sick. If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Clean the area or item with - Stay home if you are sick and contact your healthcare soap and water or another detergent provider. if it is dirty. Then, use a household disinfectant. - Keep at least six feet away from one another to the Please remember to: maximum extent possible. - Use EPA registered cleaners that you would normally use - Frequently clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such in these areas. Most EPA registered household disinfectants as tables, doorknobs, light switches, should be effective. A full list of disinfectants can be found countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, here. faucets, and sinks. - Read and follow product labels for safe use. More is not - If you are traveling, follow the CDC’s guidance at CDC. always better! gov/Travel. - Keep all cleaning products locked away from children. - Never mix bleach (chlorine) products with other Should I wear a mask to protect myself? chemicals. This can create toxic fumes. Yes. In Michigan, if you are in a public space, you are - In the event of a poison emergency, contact the Michigan required to wear a cloth face covering, even if you are Poison Center at 800-2221222. If someone is unconscious or healthy. There are lots of cost-effective ways to make a has trouble breathing, call 911 immediately. covering for your face. The U.S. Surgeon General created a video to show you how Can students assist or be assigned disinfection duties to make coverings with materials you have around your within a school setting to prevent the spread of house. You can also purchase non-medical face masks and COVID-19? low-cost face coverings at local and online retailers. Students, regardless of age, should not participate in It is important to remember that medical face masks (like disinfection activities within school settings per the CDC surgical masks and N95 respirators)must be saved for guidance “Operating Schools During COVID-19” healthcare workers. Medical facemasks should be worn by: - Healthcare workers - People taking care of someone with COVID-19 For more FAQ’s, Visit https://www.michigan.gov/documents/ If you are sick with respiratory illness, you should wear a mdhhs/2019-nCoV_Web_FAQ_Final_02.07.20_680693_7.pdf face covering, over your nose and mouth if you must be around other people or animals, including pets (even at home). You don’t need to wear the face covering if you are alone. If you can’t put on a face covering (because of trouble breathing for example), cover coughs and sneezes in some other way. MDHHS has provided guidance for the use of face coverings for the general public.
Can I wear a face shield instead of a mask?
Face shields, including plastic shields and hybrid products that have fabric around the edges of the shield, are not a replacement for cloth face coverings. For people who are medically unable to tolerate a face covering, a face shield may be worn alone instead.
School speech therapists may find wearing a face covering interferes with their ability to perform their job. Face shields are an appropriate alternative for the speech therapist and the student during therapy sessions.
- Face shields must be worn by both the student and the speech therapist during the session. - Face shield must be assigned for use by only one student each. - Face shields should be cleaned and disinfected thoroughly between each use.
- Once the therapy session has concluded, both the speech therapist and the students must put face coverings back on.
Can I wear a face covering with an exhalation valve or vent?
It is not recommended to wear masks with exhalation valves or vents because respiratory droplets may be expelled through the outlet. This type face covering does not prevent the wearer from transmitting the virus to others.
County Veteran Service Fund Emergency Relief
County Veteran Service Fund Emergency Relief
County Veteran Service Fund Emergency ReliefFrom vehicle and home repairs to medical expenses, groceries to personal
From vehicle and home repairs to medical expenses, groceries to personal From vehicle and home repairs to medical expenses, groceries to personal items and more, we understand Veterans need emergency assistance items and more, we understand Veterans need emergency assistance items and more, we understand Veterans need emergency assistance throughout COVID-19. Eligible veterans from all eras – both wartime and throughout COVID-19. Eligible veterans from all eras – both wartime and throughout COVID-19. Eligible veterans from all eras peacetime – in participating counties can use the money to make – both wartime and peacetime – in participating counties can use the money to make peacetime – in participating counties can use the money to make necessary repairs, pay medical expenses and meet other needs necessary repairs, pay medical expenses and meet other needs necessary repairs, pay medical expenses and meet other needs determined emergent. determined emergent. determined emergent. For more information please contact For more information please contact: : For more information please contact:Chris Bailey, Veterans Affairs Service Officer
Chris Bailey, Veterans Affairs Service Officer
Chris Bailey, Veterans Affairs Service Officer(231)256-8103 Leelanau County Office (231)256-8103 Leelanau County Office (231)256-8103 Leelanau County Office(231)995-6070 Grand Traverse County Office (231)995-6070 Grand Traverse County Office (231)995-6070 Grand Traverse County Office
Baashkaadodin Giizis/ ( Freezing Moon) Community NOTIFICATION GTB Awarded Generator Grant
Become a GTB Firefighter! The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Grand Traverse Band Fire Department Newsletter (GTB, Grand Traverse Band) was awarded an Indian Community
Picture yourself becoming a vital member of your Development Block Grant Imminent Threat Funding Coronavirus Aid, local fire department. H Relief, and Economic Security Act (ICDBG-CARES) Grant to provide alloween Activities Winter Is Among Us emergency power generators to tribal community satellite centers The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Fire in Benzie and Charlevoix counties, the Strongheart Civic Center in Rescue Department is seeking Paid-on-Call Firefighters. Peshawbestown, Medicine Lodge building and Fire Department.
A paid-on-call firefighter is a resident of our community who, just The Medicine Lodge includes medical and dental clinics, like you, has an interest behavioral health, emergency operations center, police department, in helping his or her neighbors whenever a fire, accident or other natural disaster strikes. As a combination department, full communications departments and the GTB IT Department which supports communication technology infrastructure for the entire GTB Fire Chief made his way around the area to As we are all aware winter has shown up with some force, laying a blanket of upwards of 2.5 feet of snow within a 36 hour time frame on Monday the 11th of November. Your Tribal Fire Department time firefighters supported by paid-on-call firefighters the Grand GTB Governmental and economic development operations. hand out candy to some spooky guests that had made a visit to our Tribal Halloween functions on the 28th in Grand Traverse, 29th in Charlevoix and was here to protect those in our area that could have been affected by this natural occurrence. Traverse Band Fire Rescue Department depends upon the timely and determined response of these citizen members who selflessly GTB will relocate the Medicine Lodge's smaller existing generator on the 30th here in Peshawbetown. GTB Fire would like to thank those who visited these areas to make the Halloween activites a success. serve their community when the alarm sounds. Inside this Issue to the GTB Fire Station which does not have a generator. In total, 1. 2. five tribal buildings will receive needed back-up generator power Halloween Activities Winter is among us Under the general direction of the Fire Chief, paid-on-call firefighter to assist vulnerable populations during extended power outages, 3. Tribal Fire Department Extrication Training 4.Fire Preventions Tip of the Month or EMS personnel are responsible for answering calls, extinguishing natural disasters, and other emergencies. In addition, GTB will 5. Thanksgiving Safety Tips fires, protecting life and property, operating and maintaining fire replace HVAC air filters to help prevent the spread of COVID–19. Grand Traverse Band Fire Department Newsletter - Page 1 equipment, apparatus and station. The position requires extensive The HVAC filters will be installed in Medicine Lodge, OMB, Benzie, training in the use of apparatus, tools, and equipment and the Charlevoix Satellite Offices (designated as Emergency Shelters) and performance of hazardous tasks under emergency conditions, Strongheart Center. which may require strenuous exertion. The addition of these generators will support the Grand Traverse As a paid-on-call firefighter, you will have the opportunity to Band, which has 4,191 enrolled members, with 1,929 residing in participate in public education events that take place in the station, the service areas of Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Grand Traverse, schools, and other community areas. Firefighters share a special Leelanau and Manistee counties. bond that goes beyond friendship. Come and join our family and enjoy the benefits of genuine support group. The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impact in Michigan and GTB. GTB government continues to provide services and The Grand Traverse Band Fire Rescue Department will provide the participates with local health departments, community partners, necessary training to become a Fire Fighter and Emergency Medical and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Responder. You do not need to have these certifications or license preventative measures to limit exposure to coronavirus. as the GTBFRD will provide the training for you to obtain them. The GTB Clinic at the Medicine Lodge generator support is critical Minimum Requirements for a Paid-On-Call Firefighter/EMS to support health response and oxygen support for patients, provide • 18 years of age aid station for patients in need, provide nebulizer treatments, retain • High school diploma or equivalent full access to health information to continue provision of care, and • Live within the 15 minutes of the Fire Station provide diagnostic, point-of-care testing. The Benzie Office and • Valid driver’s license issued by the State of Michigan Strongheart Civic Center are identified as Red Cross Shelters and • No felony convictions the generators will support the community during power outages. • Not subject to restrictions that would interfere with firefighting/EMS duties The Grand Traverse Band’s rural location has seen an increase • Previous education or experience in the area of fire- of weather-related emergencies, often resulting in lengthy power fighting is not necessary. Successful applicants will outages. Generators will provide back-up power to assist vulnerable be provided with the equipment and support needed populations of families and homeless persons during the COVID-19 to complete State of Michigan Fire and EMS training pandemic and used in the event of a natural disaster or community requirements. emergency. The addition of generators to the tribal facilities will be critical to allow these critical services to continue to provide services Who to Contact for our community. If you would like to explore this opportunity further, please contact Fire Chief Garrett Fairchild by email garrett.fairchild@gtbindians. The Project activities and updated community shelter com or call 231-534-7666. capabilities will be posted on the GTB Emergency Management website (http://www.gtbindians.org/ems.asp), in the GTB Tribal
UPDATE FROM GTB LAW Newsletter, and electronic notices will be sent immediately upon award so community members will be notified of available housing
ENFORCEMENT alternatives in the preparation, prevention and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Grand Traverse Band Tribal Police Department will no longer UPDATE FROM GTB LAW ENFORCEMENT be offering Preliminary Breath Testing (PBT)services due to the 7.20.20 current COVID19 pandemic. Recent up ticks in local COVID19 have increased the risk of exposure to officers and workers at The Grand Traverse Band Tribal Police Department will no longer be offering Preliminary Breath Testing (PBT)services due to the current COVID19 pandemic. Recent up ticks in local COVID19 have the Police Department. The daily service will be suspended increased the risk of exposure to officers and workers at the Police Department. The daily service will until which time we can deem administering them is safe again. be suspended until which time we can deem administering them is safe again. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause with those seeking PBT’s. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause with those seeking PBT’s.
David Crockett
Captain, Grand Traverse Band Law Enforcement 2606 N. West Bay Shore Drive Peshawbestown, Mi. 49682-9275 (231)534-7777 (231)866-1264 cell David.Crockett@gtbindians.com
Several GTB Tribal departments have been instrumental in planning this endeavor including Tribal Administration, Health Department, Emergency Management, Office of Management and Budget, Office of Program Development and Evaluation, Facilities Management and the Tribal Architect. All these departments and individuals provided input in the program design, and the proposed plan represents the consensus for the common good of the Grand Traverse Band. All parties will continue to be involved in the Project through the design, construction, and implementation phases of the Project. The Project will be completed over a twelve-month period.
We appreciate the ICDBG CARES Grant award number 20BV2625480 to provide generators to the tribal facilities. The Generator Project will enhance assistance to community members in crisis in the preparation, prevention, and response to the COVID-19 pandemic to protect its vulnerable population and critical assets to preserve life and safety. *****************