Swinomish Community: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information & Resource Guide Issue 1

Take care of each other.

APRIL 2020

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

INFORMATION & RESOURCE GUIDE

TRIBAL SENATE yal le ka but

Steve Edwards, Chairman (360) 840.5768 | sedwards@swinomish.nsn.us

squi-qui

Joseph Williams, Vice Chair (360) 853.5629 | jwilliams@swinomish.nsn.us

taleq tale II

Barbara James, Secretary (360) 391.3958 | bjames@swinomish.nsn.us

sOladated

Brian Wilbur, Treasurer (360) 588.2812 | bwilbur@swinomish.nsn.us

sapelia

Sophie Bailey (360) 853.6458 | sbailey@swinomish.nsn.us

wa lee hub

Kevin Paul (360) 540.3906 | tribalsenator@yahoo.com

SM OK O LO

Leon John (360) 421.0406 | ljohn@swinomish.nsn.us

ya qua leouse

Brian Porter (360) 840.4186 | bporter@swinomish.nsn.us

kuts-bat-soot

Jeremy Wilbur (360) 770.7447 | jjwilbur@swinomish.nsn.us

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Eric Day (360) 770.7024 | eday@swinomish.nsn.us

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Alana Quintasket (360) 302.0971 | aquintasket@swinomish.nsn.us

Website: swinomish-nsn.gov @SwinomishSenate

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CONTENTS From Our Tribal Chairman ................................................................................................................................ 4 Just One Friend .............................................................................................................................................. 11 COVID-19 Timeline ........................................................................................................................................ 12 Education + Prevention ................................................................................................................................ 16 Tips for Elders and Their Caregivers About COVID-19 ............................................................................. 17 Community Resources and Contacts .......................................................................................................... 18 Your Stimulus Check .................................................................................................................................... 24 Staying Connected… While “Social Distancing” ........................................................................................ 26 Notices ........................................................................................................................................................... 28 Have You Been Laid Off or Have Your Hours Been Reduced Due to COVID-19? .................................. 29 Swinomish Enterprises Update ................................................................................................................... 30 U.S. Census: Why Should You Be Counted? .............................................................................................. 33 Avoid Coronavirus Scams ............................................................................................................................ 34 Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 ...................................................... 35 April Special Announcements + Web Links to Stats and Other Resources ........................................... 36 Positive Parenting During This Time ........................................................................................................... 37

This is a publication of Swinomish Communications, in lieu of this month's qyuuqs News. While qyuuqs News is temporarily suspended while we support communications efforts related to the coronavirus pandemic, please continue to submit your stories, news, announcements, and photos!

SWINOMISH COMMUNICATIONS Heather Mills communications@swinomish.nsn.us

QYUUQS NEWS

Caroline Edwards qyuuqs@swinomish.nsn.us

FACEBOOK @qyuuqsNews

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FROM OUR TRIBAL CHAIRMAN I want to thank each and every one of you for doing your part to keep our community safe and healthy. We are seeing promising trends in the recent COVID-19 data. It appears now that all the difficult steps that we have taken to stay home and maintain our social distancing are having a good impact and positive results.

April 5, 2020 Dear Tribal Members, Reservation Residents, and Tribal Employees, Today the Swinomish Senate extended its March 24, 2020 Stay Home Order to remain in full force and effect until midnight May 4, 2020.

The terms of the Tribe’s Stay Home Order remain the same as before. All Tribal members and residents of the Swinomish Reservation must continue to stay in their homes, except under very limited circumstances spelled out in the orders.

Today’s Senate action clarifies some of those very limited circumstances, such as for certain construction activities, family visitation in child protection cases, natural resource activities and government employment. In addition, today’s Senate resolution identifies essential Tribal government services that are allowed to continue as long as they can be carried out with appropriate COVID-19 pandemic safety and health precautions in place. You can see the details in the Senate’s Resolution 2020-04-076, which is posted on the Tribe’s website (swinomish-nsn.gov).

I want to thank each and every one of you for doing your part to keep our community safe and healthy. We are seeing promising trends in the recent COVID-19 data. It appears now that all the difficult steps that we have taken to stay home and maintain our social distancing are having a good impact and positive results.

This is good news, but we cannot stop now. I know how hard it is for us to give up so many things that we care about, but it is essential that we continue to stay home, follow COVID-19 safe practices, and continue our social distancing when it is absolutely unavoidable that we go out for certain essential activities.

Thank you again for your cooperation. Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay home, and we will get through this together.

Sincerely, Chairman Steve Edwards, yal le ka but

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SWINOMISH INDIAN TRIBAL COMMUNITY SWINOMISH INDIAN RESERVATION RESOLUTION NO. 2020-04-76 A Resolution Amending Resolution No. 2020-03-073 To Extend and Clarify the Tribe’s Stay Home Order WHEREAS, the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (the “Tribe”) is a federally recognized Indian Tribe organized pursuant to Section 16 of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 (25 U.S.C. § 5123); and WHEREAS, the Tribe is organized under a constitution and bylaws originally ratified by the Tribe on November 16, 1935, and approved by the Secretary of the Interior on January 27, 1936, and as most recently amended and ratified by the Tribe on May 23, 2017, and approved by the Secretary of the Interior on July 7, 2017; and WHEREAS, Swinomish Indian Senate (the “Senate”) is the duly enacted governing body of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and exercises governmental authority over all lands and waters within the Swinomish Indian Reservation; and WHEREAS, the Senate approved Resolution 2020-03-42 on March 9, 2020, declaring a Public Health Emergency in light of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 virus and potential threat to our community members; and WHEREAS, on March 24, 2020, the Senate approved Resolution No. 2020-03-073, containing a Stay Home Order for all Swinomish Indian Tribal Community members and all residents and businesses of the Swinomish Reservation, and providing specific instructions for the closure of in-person office functions at nonessential businesses and the continued operation of essential business activities; and WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020, Governor Inslee issued a state-wide Stay Home – Stay Healthy Order, and since that date the number of confirmed cases and deaths in Washington has more than doubled, with at least 5,984 cases of COVID-19 and 247 associated deaths in Washington; and models predict that many hospitals in Washington will reach capacity or become overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients within the next few weeks unless the spread of COVID-19 throughout the state is slowed; and WHEREAS, hospitalizations for COVID-like illnesses have been sharply increasing for the past month, and a large surge in the number of serious COVID-19 infections will compromise the ability of health care systems to deliver necessary services; and WHEREAS, Governor Inslee has concluded that in order to protect the health and safety of Washingtonians, the stringent restrictions imposed in the Governor’s Stay Home-Stay Health Order would remain in effect until May 4, 2020; and

Resolution No. 2020-04-76 Page 1 of 5 April 3, 2020

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WHEREAS, the Swinomish Senate’s primary concern remains the health, safety and wellbeing of all its community members, especially our elders and other vulnerable persons within our community, as well as residents and businesses of the Swinomish Reservation and employees of the Tribe, recognizing that we all face a shared and very serious public health concern; and WHEREAS, the Senate affirms our collective responsibility to protect everyone in our community and on the Reservation by staying home and practicing social distancing at all times; and WHEREAS, in order to continue to provide clear and consistent direction to all residents of the Swinomish Reservation, this Senate Resolution is intended to continue to recognize, support and minimize conflict with the Governor’s Stay Home – Stay Healthy Orders and related guidance from state authorities while safeguarding important Tribal interests, and will remain in effect until midhight May 4, 2020, unless extended by the Swinomish Indian Senate; and WHEREAS, the Senate also intends to clarify application of its previous directives in the fields of construction, child dependency, and habitat and natural resources, in order to avoid confusion regarding the intentions and scope of the Resolution No. 2020-03-073 Stay Home Order and of this Resolution; and WHEREAS, certain construction activities occurring within the Reservation may continue during the Stay Home Order, particularly construction projects on critical infrastructure, such as Swinomish sponsored housing or essential public facilities, construction projects to prevent spoliation and damage, and other emergency projects; and WHEREAS, children and youth who are found to be dependent by Washington Superior Courts are ordered into the custody of the Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families (“DCYF”), resulting in the court-supervised placement of children into the care of foster parents, relatives, group homes, and other suitable persons approved by the court, with visitation required by Washington law between the children/youth and their families; and WHEREAS, the State of Washington has waived and suspended visitation requirements under Washington law that mandate in-person visitation of children/youth in the custody of the DCYF by parents or other family members; and WHEREAS, there are children and youth ordered by Washington Superior Courts into the custody of DCYF who are currently in family relative placements who reside within the Swinomish Reservation; and WHEREAS, in order to keep families and children/youth safe during the COVID-19 pandemic it may be necessary to limit face-to-face visits; however, such visits should be at the discretion and direction of the home or facility where the child/youth or family member is residing, and should be consistent with the terms of any visitation order of the Washington Superior Court; and WHEREAS, Treaty resource and habitat protection, restoration, monitoring and Resolution No. 2020-04-76 Page 2 of 5 April 3, 2020

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sampling activities within the Tribe’s usual and accustomed fishing grounds and stations or open and unclaimed lands are essential to the long-term sustainability of the resources on which the Tribe has depended for sustenance and its cultural and economic life since time immemorial; and WHEREAS, the Senate has identified certain Tribal government services as essential and will authorize employees working in these critical sectors to travel to and from, and be physically present at, their places of work to perform essential functions of their jobs that cannot be performed remotely; and WHEREAS, the Senate is authorized to take this action pursuant to Article VI, Section 1(a), (f), (g), (i), (k), (l), (m), (o), (p), (q), and (r), Section 3, Section 5(b) and (c) of the Constitution of the Tribe approved January 27, 1936, as amended and pursuant to the inherent authority of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SWINOMISH INDIAN SENATE that the directives and terms of the Senate’s Stay Home Resolution No. 2020-03-073, as modified and clarified herein, shall remain in effect until midnight on May 4, 2020, unless modified by further resolution of the Senate.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE SWINOMISH INDIAN SENATE that construction projects on critical infrastructure, such as Swinomish sponsored housing or essential public facilities, may continue as long as social distancing is maintained on site. Construction may occur to prevent spoliation and avoid damage or unsafe conditions (which may include work to exterior of homes, windows, doors, etc. to prevent spoliation or avoid damage), and address emergency repairs at both non-essential businesses and residential structures.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE SWINOMISH INDIAN SENATE that caring for children and youth ordered into the custody of DCYF by Washington Superior Courts is considered an essential activity, and such essential activity may continue with visitation at the discretion and direction of the home or facility where the child/youth or family member is residing, so long as it is consistent with the terms of any visitation order of the Washington Superior Court and with appropriate COVID-19 pandemic safety and health precautions in place.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE SWINOMISH INDIAN SENATE that Treaty resource and habitat protection, restoration, monitoring and sampling activities within, and necessary associated travel to, from and within, the Tribe’s usual and accustomed fishing grounds and stations or open and unclaimed lands are essential activities that may continue as long as they are carried out with appropriate COVID-19 pandemic safety and health precautions in place.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE SWINOMISH INDIAN SENATE that Tribal members and Reservation residents may leave their home to travel to and from employment providing governmental services that are identified as essential by their governmental employer.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE SWINOMISH INDIAN SENATE that Tribal employees may travel to and from and be present at Tribal offices to provide essential Tribal governmental services that cannot be provided remotely. Essential Tribal governmental

Resolution No. 2020-04-76 Page 3 of 5 April 3, 2020

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services that may continue to remain operational, as long as they can be carried out with appropriate COVID-19 pandemic safety and health precautions in place, are as follows: •

Health care operations (including health systems management, billing, and health information)

•

Social services, including: o provision of food, energy, support, and other assistance o Family services, including child welfare and adult protective services

•

Housing (including operation, maintenance, and repair of facilities as directed by the Housing Board)

•

Public Safety (including Swinomish Police)

•

Fisheries and Game Management (including resource monitoring, management and administration)

•

Environmental Protection and Policy, including monitoring and data collection

•

Public Works, including: o Services necessary for the sanitation, safety, maintenance, operation and repair of open government buildings o Maintenance and operation of Public Works facilities

•

Communications and Information Technology, including: o Maintenance of communications infrastructure and continued operation of physical and cyber information technology systems

•

Swinomish Utilities: o Maintenance, operation, inspection and repair as directed by the Utility Board Gaming Regulation: o Essential Gaming Regulatory activities necessary to maintain continuity during the Swinomish Casino closure

•

•

Governance and administration: o Swinomish Indian Senate, including personnel supporting the Senate o Swinomish Tribal Court, including prosecution, defense and probation services o Accounting, Human Resources, Grants, Planning and Legal services.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE SWINOMISH INDIAN SENATE that Tribal staff are authorized and directed to take all necessary actions for implementation of this resolution as may be needed to carry out the terms of this Resolution.

Resolution No. 2020-04-76 Page 4 of 5 April 3, 2020

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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE SWINOMISH INDIAN SENATE that it is essential that this Resolution be followed strictly in order to keep community members, Reservation residents and Tribal employees healthy and safe, as together we continue to face a highly contagious disease that can result in serious illness or death.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE SWINOMISH INDIAN SENATE that the Senate expects and trusts that all community members, Reservation residents and Tribal employees will continue to strictly comply with this Resolution.

Steve Edwards, Chairman Swinomish Indian Senate

CERTIFICATION As Secretary of the Swinomish Indian Senate, I hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was approved at a Special Meeting of the Swinomish Indian Senate held on April 5, 2020, at which time a quorum was present and the resolution was passed by a vote of FOR, AGAINST, and ABSTENTIONS.

______________________ Barbara James, Secretary Swinomish Indian Senate

Resolution No. 2020 2020-04-76 04 76 Page 5 of 5 April 3, 2020

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What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

Coronaviruses are a type of virus (germ) that can cause cold-like symptoms and sometimes serious problems with lungs and breathing. COVID-19 is a novel (new) coronavirus.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Mildtosevererespiratoryillness,orproblemswithlungsand breathing. Symptoms include:

• Fever, cough, and shortness of breath

How does COVID-19 spread?

Persontoperson bycoughing, sneezing,or personalcontact liketouching orshaking hands.Someonewith mildsymptoms may spread the disease without knowing they are sick.

Who is most at risk?

Anyone can get COVID-19.Those at risk of severe illness include:

If someone gets sick, what can they do?

• If someone thinks they have been around someone with COVID-19 and they get a fever and symptoms such as a cough or trouble breathing, they should call their healthcare provider or Indian Health Service unit for medical advice.

o Elders and adults over 60 years of age

• In an emergency, call 911.

o People with heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes

• People who are mildly sick with COVID-19 do not need to seeahealthcareproviderandareabletorecoverathome.

How can I protect myself and my family?

Stay at home. “Social distancing” is recommended. This

• Covercoughsandsneezeswithatissue,thenthrowthe tissue in the trash and wash hands.

• Stayhome and away from others for 14 days to avoid getting others sick.

means keeping your family at home and away from others who • Caregivers should keep sick family members away from may be sick. others in thehome andclean anddisinfectsurfacesand • If you must go out, try to stay 6 feet away from others items that are touched often, like door handles, sink handles, toilets, remote controls, etc.

• Avoid gatherings with other people • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

Is there a vaccine or treatment?

• Do not shake hands, hug, or touch others

There is no vaccine.The best way to reduce the risk of getting • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 sick with COVID-19 is to practice social distancing and healthy habits like washing hands regularly. seconds or use hand sanitizer

There are cases of COVID-19 in all 50 states.

ThereisnospecifictreatmentforCOVID-19,butmedicalcare can help relieve symptoms. If you are sick, call your healthcare provider for instructions.

For moreinformation: CDC.gov/coronavirus Source: CDC

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Effective March 26, 2020

JUST ONE FRIEND?

SARAH WILBORN, TRIBAL PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICER

After weeks of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, people of all ages may be asking: What could be the harm of visiting just one friend?

Unfortunately, it could undo all the benefit we have seen so far with social distancing, which is reducing the chance for the COVID-19 virus to spread in our community.

University of Washington did some research of what will happen if social distancing rules are eased up at this time. They are saying that in a hypothetical sample community of around 200 people, about 10% of those people are likely essential workers, which would connect 26% of the people in the community.

If each household opened up their circle to one single connection with another household, it would increase their connection to 71% of the community. If each household opened up to two social connections, 90% of the community would be connected. In other words, it would destroy the benefits of social distancing that we have seen so far and allow the majority of the community to become vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus.

“With COVID-19, many types of connections can transmit the virus,” said Morris, a UW professor of anthropology.

“What we show is that you don’t need superspreaders to create network connectivity for transmission; visiting just one friend is equally effective for connecting a community into one large cluster.”

Then what will it take, to return us to the new normal?

Honestly, no one knows for sure yet. We are watching and learning from other countries that are ahead of us in the pandemic, as well as working to increase testing capabilities, antibody studies, a vaccine, and a cure. Once the case counts and death rate decrease significantly, we are going to be able to re-enter the community at large, but it will need to be done gradually.

The one thing we do know for sure is that if we ease up on social distancing now, a lot more people are going to become infected and the death rate will increase.

So please stay home and do not "undo" all you have done so far to contain the spread of this virus. The Swinomish Medical Clinic does not have any positive test results yet, but in all likelihood we will. Many of us still have to go to work or the grocery store or other essential errand, and may get infected. But if the people who are ill isolate themselves, and the rest of us quarantine ourselves as much as we possibly can so as not to get infected, the virus will not spread throughout the community.

Do your part: take care of yourself, your family, and your community by staying home. And if you have to go out, wear a mask or face covering, do not touch your face, sanitize your hands as soon as you leave the store, pharmacy or medical clinic, and then wash them thoroughly once you get home. We will get there, but we are not there yet.

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COVID-19 TIMELINE APRIL 16, 2020 GLOBAL Coronavirus Cases

Brown = Global Yellow = United States Teal = Washington State Red = Swinomish

December 31

2,113,226

Chinese Health officials informed the World Health Organization about a cluster of 41 patients with a mysterious pneumonia. Most were led to believe that these cases were connected to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan.

140,371

January 11

Deaths

Recovered

537,475

China reports its first death from an illness caused by the virus.

January 20

UNITED STATES Coronavirus Cases

First case in the United States is reported: a 35-year-old man in Snohomish County, Washington. Japan, South Korea, and Thailand also confirm cases.

Deaths

Swinomish Indian Tribal Community initiates dedicated virus monitoring efforts.

629,264

January 20

26,708

January 23

Recovered

47,763

Wuhan, a city of more than 11 million, is cut off by Chinese authorities.

January 30

Sources The New York Times: nytimes.com/article/ coronavirus-timeline.html

The World Health Organization declares a global health emergency.

Business Insider: businessinsider.com/ coronavirus-pandemictimeline-history-majorevents-2020-3

February 2

Seattle PI: seattlepi.com/ coronavirus/article/ washington-statecoronavirus-outbreaktimeline-15188450.php

January 31

The Trump administration restricts travel from China.

First death outside China is recorded in the Philippines.

February 7

A Chinese doctor who tried to raise the alarm died after contracting the coronavirus.

The death of Dr. Li Wenliang provoked anger at how the Chinese government handled the epidemic. In early January, the authorities reprimanded him, and he was forced to sign a statement denouncing his warning as an unfounded and illegal rumor.

February 11

The World Health Organization proposes an official name for the disease the virus causes: COVID-19. The acronym stands for “coronavirus disease 2019.�

Swinomish website: swinomish-nsn.gov

February 12

IHME: covid19.healthdata.org/ united-states-of-america

February 14

coronavirus.jhu.edu/ map.html

China reviews its trade and consumption of wildlife, which has been identified as a probable source of the outbreak.

12

Cases start to spike in South Korea.

France announces the first coronavirus death in Europe.

February 17

Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide

February 21

The virus appears in Iran from an unknown source.

February 23

Italy has major surge in coronavirus cases and officials lock down towns.

February 24

The Trump administration asks Congress for $1.25 billion for coronavirus response.

February 25

Swinomish Indian Tribal Community initiates COVID-19 contingency planning in response to CDC guidance.

February 29

First coronavirus death in the United States reported in Washington state. Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced state of emergency due to COVID-19.

March 2

Swinomish Indian Tribal Community established the Swinomish Emergency Health Team and appointed Sarah Wilborn, the Tribe’s Chief Medical Officer, to serve as Tribal Public Health Officer.

March 3

U.S. officials approve widespread coronavirus testing. Cases sharply increase in Spain.

March 6

Confirmed COVID-19 cases across Washington state tops 100.

March 9

The Swinomish Tribal Senate declares a public emergency due to the COVID-19 outbreak nationally and here in Washington state. The Senate also approved 13 non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI’s) to help limit the spread of the virus.

March 11

World Health Organization declares a pandemic. President Trump blocks most visitors from continental Europe.

March 11

Washington Governor Jay Inslee banned all events, gatherings of 250 people or more in King, Snohomish and Pierce counties.

March 13

United States declares a national emergency.

March 13

Washington Governor Jay Inslee expanded ban on gatherings of 250 people or more across Washington and announced all schools across the state must close for at least six weeks. Seattle closed all community centers and libraries. Seattle issued moratorium on residential evictions for the nonpayment of rent.

March 15

The CDC recommends no gatherings of 50 or more people in the United States.

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COVID-19 TIMELINE CONTINUED

March 16

Due to the global pandemic and the impact of COVID-19, Swinomish Casino & Lodge temporarily closes.

March 16

Brown = Global Yellow = United States Teal = Washington State Red = Swinomish

Confirmed COVID-19 cases across Washington state tops 1,000. All restaurants, bars and entertainment facilities were closed.

March 16

Latin America begins to feel the effects of the virus. Several countries impose on their citizens to slow the spread of the virus.

March 17

Swinomish Tribal Senate issues amended declaration regarding building closures and essential facilities.

March 17

France imposes a nationwide lockdown. European leaders vote to close off at least 26 countries to nearly all visitors from the rest of the world for at least 30 days.

March 18

Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued statewide eviction moratorium. Under the moratorium, people can’t be evicted, but tenants are still expected to pay the rent that is due after the order is lifted. One-week waiting period to receive unemployment insurance waived.

March 19

China reports no new locally spread infections for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

March 23

New York City confirms 21,000 cases, making the location the biggest epicenter for the outbreak in the United States.

March 23

Washington Governor Jay Inslee issued two-week stay-at-home order, closing all nonessential businesses and banning all gatherings. Under the order, people are still allowed to go outside for walks or exercise and to do essential tasks, such as grocery shopping.

March 24

Swinomish Tribal Senate issues stay home order for all Swinomish Indian Tribal Community residents.

March 24

The Tokyo Olympics delayed until 2021.

March 24

India, a country of 1.3 billion, announces a 21-day lockdown.

March 26

The United States leads the world in confirmed coronavirus cases with at least 81,321 confirmed infections and more than 1,000 deaths.

March 27

Trump signs coronavirus stimulus bill into law.

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March 29-30

Washington Public Health officials say social distancing measures appear to be working.

April 2

The number of coronavirus cases worldwide surpasses 1 million, with more than 51,000 deaths globally, according to Johns Hopkins University.

April 2

Washington Governor Jay Inslee extends stay-at-home order through May 4.

April 3

The Swinomish Tribal Senate extends stay home order through May 4.

April 3

The C.D.C. urges Americans to wear a mask when they leave their homes. U.S. death toll climbs to more than 7,000 and confirmed cases nationwide rise to more than 275,500.

April 4

The total number of coronavirus cases in the United States climbs to more than 300,000 and the number of deaths nationwide tops 8,000.

April 5

The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), an independent population health research center at UW Medicine, data indicates Washington COVID-19 hospital resource use peaked April 2.

April 5

Washington Governor Jay Inslee donates 400 ventilators from national stockpile, saying the state would not need them and would instead give them to other states, such as New York, which have been struggling to get enough equipment and resources.

April 5

The Washington State Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issue new guidelines saying people should wear cloth face masks in places where it is more difficult to maintain the recommended six feet of distance apart.

April 6

Washington Governor Jay Inslee extends school closures across the state and announces all K-12 public and private schools would remain closed for the rest of the academic year.

April 7

United States reports the highest single-day death count for any country: more than 1,900. Roughly 95% of Americans are under lockdown.

April 10

Authorities report roughly 1.67 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally, with about 1.2 million being active and ongoing cases, roughly 370,000 recoveries, and 101,700 deaths.

April 11

All 50 states under disaster declaration for the first time in United States history. U.S. coronavirus death toll surpasses 20,000 (U.S. News & World Report).

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EDUCATION + PREVENTION Taking care of each other = doing all we can do to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus What is a coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that usually cause mild respiratory illnesses such as the common cold. Some coronaviruses have caused more severe illness, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). SARS-CoV-2 is a new coronavirus (responsible for COVID-19) that was not identified in humans before December 2019.

What are symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. It takes 2 to 14 days after a person gets the virus in their body to become ill. Novel coronavirus is new, and more is learned each day about symptoms it causes and how long it takes for people to become sick.

How does the virus spread?

Coronavirus spreads primarily between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) via the droplets expressed through coughs or sneezes.

It may also spread by touching a surface or object with the virus on it.

People are thought to be most contagious when they are the sickest, though spread is possible before people show any symptoms at all.

How is COVID-19 treated?

There are currently no vaccines available to prevent novel coronavirus infections.

There are also no medications specifically approved to treat the coronavirus. Most people with mild coronavirus illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking pain and fever medications. However, some severe cases develop and require medical care or hospitalization.

How can I plan ahead of COVID-19?

Prevention starts with practicing good personal health habits: stay home, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, wash your hands often with soap and water, and clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.

Getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids, eating healthy foods, and managing your stress may help you prevent getting COVID-19 and recover from it if you do.

What else can we do as individuals?

» Rely on and share trusted sources of information. » Speak up if you hear, see, or read stigmatizing or harassing comments or misinformation. » Show compassion and support for individuals and communities more closely impacted. » Avoid stigmatizing people who are in quarantine. They are making the right choice for their communities.

Sources: Washington State Health Department (DOH): doh.wa.gov/coronavirus Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): cdc.gov

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Tips for Elders and Their Caregivers About COVID-19 People of all ages with heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or cancer are at higher risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, the new virus also known as coronavirus. In addition, older adults are at greater risk because as they get older, it’s harder for them to stay well.

Avoiding getting sick with COVID-19 is especially important for elders and people at higher risk.

How to keep elders and others safe

Stay at home. “Social distancing” is recommended. This

means keeping your family at home and away from others as much as possible.

• • • • • •

• • • • •

Try to stay 6 feet away from others, especially when outside of the home.

Avoid gatherings with other people. This may include family too. Gatherings should be less than 10 people.

When leaving the home to get food and supplies, send only one person to do the shopping.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Do not shake hands, hug, or touch others outside of your home.

Drink plenty of water and eat fruits and vegetables.

Get outside for fresh air and exercise.

Limit news and social media. Sometimes too much information causes anxiety and added stress.

Clean and disinfect surfaces and items that are touched often, like door handles, sink handles, toilets, remote controls, phones, light switches, etc.

Activities to do with elders while staying safe •

Going outside for walking, gardening, hiking, stretching

• •

Brain exercises and games like word searches, Sudoku, crossword puzzles Relaxation, including breathing, meditation, praying

•

Reading books and magazines

•

Phone and video calls with family and friends

•

Listening to music

•

Finding ways to laugh

What else should caregivers do?

The best protection for the people being cared for is for their caregivers to stay healthy. Caregivers should follow the guidelines to be safe and make sure others in the home are too, especially children and others who spend time with the elder.

Watch for symptoms (fever, cough, trouble breathing) in everyone in the home. Separate anyone who is sick from others.

Practice self-care. If can be hard for caregivers to take care of themselves as well as others, but self-care is important.

•

Relax, take deep breaths, stretch, or pray

•

Take part in sacred practices

•

Do activities you enjoy

•

Talk with loved ones and friends, share feelings and experiences

•

Try to stay hopeful and thinking positively. Write down things you are grateful for or that are going well.

If you have concerns, get help Call your healthcare provider or local Indian Health Service unit with any concerns.

Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if prescriptions can are needed to the pharmacy.

For more information: Source: CDC CDC.gov/coronavirus Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 17

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Culture & Archive CULTURE DEPARTMENT

Aurelia Bailey The Swinomish Tribal Government is closely monitoring Phone: (360) 853-6376 the public health threat posed by the corovavirus (COVID-19). Your Senate and staff are working hard to Provides assistance to elders, families, and the community keep our community as safe as possible while making with food and supplies distributions, shopping, and resources and services available to you. Please monitor deliveries. Helping to get public safety notices and flyers the Swinomish website at swinomish-nsn.gov for out to the community. Encouraging culture practices through social networking and social distancing. Songs, updates, as things can change quickly. prayers, and dancing!

Administration ADMINISTRATION

Tribal Chairman Steve Edwards Phone: (360) 840-5768 General Manager Allan Olson Phone: (360) 708-9406 Email: aolson@swinomish.nsn.us Information regarding tribal staff and programs Shelley Preston-Roberts Phone: (360) 840-4231 Requests regarding Senate meetings, agendas, minutes

Enrollment & Humans Resources ENROLLMENT

Leon John Phone: (360) 466-7211 Email: ljohn@swinomish.nsn.us Enrollment will continue to issue and accept enrollment applications. When requesting an application, we will ask a set of questions to get you the correct application. For renewing regular tribal ID cards or Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETC), please call or email. The Senate has authorized us to issue regular ID cards (not ETC) to members who may not be able to come to the office. If you need information in your file, either email or leave a voicemail.

HUMAN RESOURCES Alethia Edwards Email: hr@swinomish.nsn.us

TRIBAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS OFFICE Brian Porter Email: bporter@swinomish.nsn.us 18

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TRIBAL ARCHIVE & RECORDS Theresa Trebon Email: ttrebon@swinomish.nsn.us

The Tribal Archive & Records Building is closed during this time. Staff are available for questions by email and are currently working on a family history exercise that parents can do with their children.

Substance Use Disorder Services DIDGWALIC WELLNESS CENTER The center is open Phone: (360) 588-2808

didgʷálič Wellness Center continues to fight the opioid epidemic and is providing essential substance use disorder (SUD) services, mental health treatment, and primary care to those in need. If you or a loved one needs help with a substance use disorder, please call.

SWINOMISH WELLNESS PROGRAM Jessica Grossglass Phone: (360) 708-9378

The Wellness Program is open Wednesdays from 8AM4PM. Please leave a voice message and a staff member will return your call for all other availability.

Taxation TAX AUTHORITY

Alicia Neely Phone: (360) 540-4592 Email: tax@swinomish.nsn.us Call for assistance with unemployment applications.

Social Services SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Candace Charles Phone: (360) 982-8584

Call for LIHEAP applications, commodity delivery day, elder monthly stipends, and all other Social Services YOUTH CENTER: programs.

RECREATION & PREVENTION

SENIOR SERVICES Jennie Nguyen Phone: (360) 202-2557

Home food deliveries to elders receiving the benefit under the Title III program are currently happening on a weekly schedule. Food delivery priority is given to elders 60+ years old in the Title III program.

ELDER FOOD DELIVERY Aurelia Bailey Phone: (360) 853-6376

The next ELDER Food Distribution is: Wednesday, April 22 at 1PM EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY JR. ELDER Food Distribution for any tribal/native community member aged 40-54 years old: Wednesday, April 29 at 1PM opposite weeks EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY We are still working on funding sources to service 18-39 year old community members.

ELDERS MEALS ON WHEELS Call for service Phone: (360) 661-2384

FAMILY SERVICES Tracey Parker Phone: (360) 466-7222

Please leave a voicemail with a call-back phone number if you need family support services.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE April James Phone: (360) 391-0773

Angela Ball Phone: (360) 420-3812 Barb James Phone: (360) 391-3985

Education EDUCATION

Michael Vendiola Phone: (360) 707-1482 Email: mvendiola@swinomish.nsn.us For inquiries regarding education, email Michael Vendiola Loran James Phone: (360) 503-9921 Email: lcjames@swinomish.nsn.us Coordinating with La Conner School District for student support contact Loran James.

Lisa James Phone: (360) 333-9947 Email: ljames@swinomish.nsn.us Provide Swinomish Scholarship program services, as well as HS+ support at NWIC. Jeanne Robson Phone (360) 333-7496 Development of childcare learning support

NORTHWEST INDIAN COLLEGE Gaylene Gobert (360) 399-8094 Email: ggobert@nwic.edu

All NWIC locations are currently closed and classes are being conducted online. Students, contact Gaylene to register for classes.

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Health Programs MEDICAL CLINIC

The clinic is open Monday-Thursday 8AM-6PM, Friday 8AM-5:30PM Phone: (360) 466-3167 See service details opposite page

DENTAL CLINIC

The clinic is open on a limited basis Call (360) 466-3900 if you have urgent care needs Monday-Thursday 8AM-6PM, Friday 8AM-5:30PM Entry to the clinic is on a case-by-case basis for critical care. Clinic staff are not seeing any routine scheduled appointments until further notice. A limited staff of assistants and providers are available to ensure your critical needs are met.

Laura Lindberg, M.A., LMHC Phone 1: (360) 466-7375; Phone 2: (360) 708-3916 Tuesday 8AM-1PM; Friday 1PM-5:30PM Working remotely Wednesday and Thursday Denise Miller, M.A., LMHC Phone 1: (360) 466-7323; Phone 2: (360) 214-4397 Wednesday 8AM-6PM Working remotely Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

EMERGENCY RESOURCE NUMBERS • Call 911 • 1-800-584-3578 (Local Crisis Line) • 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text START to 741741 • 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433) • 1-360-757-7738 (Skagit County Crisis Center) • 1-866-488-7836 (Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth)

If you are experiencing a true dental emergency, you must call. We will only triage patients over the phone, so call SWINOMISH WOMEN, INFANTS, before you make any efforts to come to the clinic. Staff AND CHILDREN PROGRAM (WIC) are available during regular business hours to talk to you. Michelle Skidmore Phone: (360) 319-2756 If you have health symptoms that include a cough, fever, or sore throat, or a family member who lives with you does, Telehealth WIC visits are now available for all clients. we will not be able see you. If your symptoms are severe, We provide nutrition and food services to pregnant and postpartum women, and children under 5 years. Family call the Swinomish Medical Clinic at (360) 466-3167. placement and foster parents can apply. Call (360) 4667269 to see if you are eligible for Swinomish WIC services.

COUNSELING SERVICES Consults are available via phone, Zoom, and Skype.

Outdoor social distancing sessions are also available.

AFTER HOURS & WEEKENDS: (360) 707-1904 Julia Ortiz, MSW, LMHC, EMMHS Phone 1: (360) 466-7278; Phone 2: (360) 707-1904 Monday 8AM-6PM; Thursday 8AM-5:30PM Working remotely Tuesday and Wednesday

Lori Nash, LMFT Phone1: (360) 588-2836; Phone 2: (360) 682-8201 Tuesday 1PM-6PM; Friday 8AM-1PM Working remotely Wednesday and Thursday

Recently laid off due to COVID-19? We can help young families with food they need. $50-$100 per client each month!

Skagit County Diaper Bank partners with Swinomish WIC for FREE diapers to families in need. Children are eligible for 48 diapers, plus wipes, once a month. To receive diaper services, call (360) 466-7269

FITNESS CENTER

Colleen Mavar Email: cmavar@swinomish.nsn.us

Mark Backlund, M.D. Phone: (360) 466-3167

The Swinomish Fitness Center is closed until further notice.

Email Colleen for at-home fitness recommendations.

Dr. Backlund is not available until further notice. All medication refill requests need to go through a primary care physician.

YOUTH SPIRIT PROGRAM

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Tanisha Gobert Email: tgobert@swinomish.nsn.us

Your medical team has extended clinic service hours to include evenings and weekends, and launched telemedicine in order to offer the medical services you need and decrease the need for urgent care or emergency room visits during these extraordinary times.

DURING BUSINESS HOURS CALL (360) 466-3167 Monday-Thursday, 8am-6pm Friday, 8am-5:30pm

CONCERNED AND NOT ABLE TO CALL DURING BUSINESS HOURS? CALL (360) 466-7227 Monday-Friday, 6-8pm Saturday-Sunday 4-8pm

Please call (360) 466.3167 to make an appointment. A registered nurse or provider will call

you back to discuss your symptoms and answer your questions. We will do everything we can to take care of your issue over the phone or with minimal contact inside the clinic.

If your needs are urgent, ring the doorbell at the back door of the clinic for service. Try to call on your way, so that clinic staff will be prepared to accept you.

EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS

The clinic is providing extended telephone hours from 6-8pm on weekdays and 4-8 pm on weekends. You can reach Dr. Carrillo at (360) 466-7227.

TELEMEDICINE

Telemedicine appointments are available through a patient portal app that you can access on your smart phone or computer with camera and microphone. We will provide telemedicine visits during the after hours as needed.

For those who do not have access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and microphone, please stay tuned for additional services the clinic will provide to help bridge the access gaps.

COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH Myk Heidt Email: mheidt@swinomish.nsn.us Facebook: @13MoonsAtWork

Email Certified Wild Plants & Medicine Educator Myk Heidt with questions about wild plants, their medicinal benefits, what’s ready to harvest, and how to use! Another resource is the recently published 13 Moons First Foods and Resources Curriculum. Staff are happy to provide a copy of the curriculum to anyone in the community interested in having one.

Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 21

Natural Resources FISHERIES

Laura Clifton Phone: (360) 391-2492 Julie Barber Phone: (360) 333-2522 The Fisheries Department is working full-time for the community to ensure, to the best of our abilities, that tribal fisheries will continue despite this time of uncertainty. We recently completed the salmon harvest management plan for the 2020-2021 fishing season and shrimp and crab fisheries are still in the planning stages.

The department will continue to open Lone Tree for C&S clam harvest twice a month; only butters and cockles can be harvested and harvest is not to exceed one five-gallon bucket per day. Clam beaches located off the reservation remain open for subsistence harvest and harvest is not to exceed one five-gallon bucket per day (no more than ½ bucket of manila/native littleneck clams at select beaches).

The community will be notified of future salmon and shellfish openings with the release of a regulation and corresponding message on the Fisheries Hotline in advance of any planned opening. Clam fisheries will also be posted via the Swinomish Fish & Wildlife Enforcement's Facebook page. All announcements will be made as details are finalized.

Permits for these fisheries can be obtained by calling or texting Laura Clifton and asking to be added to the permit list, which is then provided to Fisheries Enforcement.

Tribal fishers must observe social distancing and comply with other appropriate COVID-19 safety and health precautions.

WILDLIFE PROGRAM

Tino Villaluz Phone: (360) 630-9544 Email: vvillaluz@swinomish.nsn.us Your Wildlife staff is working remotely. We're still available to the community for discussion and advice.

We are working closely with leadership as well as other Point Elliott Treaty Tribes to asses and plan in these most uncertain of times. This is an evolving situation and can change at any point. We will do our best to monitor and 22

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balance community needs while considering the risk associated with any task. Protecting our community is the absolute most important consideration. Please feel free to contact Tino Villaluz with any needs or concerns.

SKAGIT RIVER SYSTEM COOPERATIVE Jeff Meyer Phone: (360) 391-4641 Email: jmeyer@skagitcoop.org

Marcie Haase Phone: (360) 466-7370 Email: mhaase@skagitcoop.org

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Voicemails can be left at (360) 466-7280. This line is checked daily for messages.

General information or assistance: Lindsay Logan Phone: (360) 770-5611 Environmental Permitting: Scott Andrews Phone: (360) 854-8526 Environmental Science: Nicole Casper Phone: 360-661-0683 The Between Two Worlds high school science program is suspended until further notice.

LAND MANAGEMENT

Voicemails, including Thousand Trails reservations, can be left at (360) 466-7280. Please leave a detailed message.

This line is checked daily.

Elissa Kalla Phone: (360) 770-5382 Email: ekalla@swinomish.nsn.us Residential leasing and other realty questions Merla Rae Martin Phone: (360) 466-7302 Email: mrmartin@swinomish.nsn.us For mapping or address questions Jacob Tully Phone: 360-630-7157 Email: jtully@swinomish.nsn.us

Planning

Law Enforcement

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Zam DeShields, Planning Director (360) 853-6586 Tara Satushek, Senior Planner (360) 927-1506 Rebecca Villaluz, Assistant Planner (360) 770-3960 Alana Quintasket, Senator/Intern Wendi Martin, Permit Technician (360) 707-1379 Josephine Jefferson, THPO Officer (360) 488-3860 Benajmin Jojola, Archeology Crew (360) 770-7837 Keri Clearly, Project Manager (360) 739-8653 Robert Pell, Project Manager (360) 780-6531 Rodney John, Public Works, Janitorial (360) 333-6666

Department Office Staff Phone: (360) 466-7237 Call during business hours Monday-Friday

The safety and well-being of our staff and the community is our highest priority. As the situation surrounding the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, changes, we are committed to staying up-to-date and responding to recommendations from local public health officials. We will continue to keep the community updated with any changes through the Swinomish website at swinomish-nsn.gov.

FISH AND WILDLIFE ENFORCEMENT

Email permit applications and permitting questions to: permits@swinomish.nsn.us

TRIBAL COURT

Voicemails can be left at (360) 466-7280. This line is checked daily for messages.

If you are unable to submit by email, you may physically mail application materials to the address below. Please note mailed applications will take longer to review. All payments must be submitted by check via mail. Permits will be issued by email or paper copy if you do not have access to email.

SITC Planning and Community Development Dept.

Attn: Permit Technician 11430 Moorage Way La Conner, WA 98257

Housing & Utilities HOUSING AUTHORITY On-call maintenance Phone: (360) 466-7223

Chief D’Amelio: (360) 202-4059 Lt Cowan (425) 754-6784

Officers are working 24/7. The department office is still open to the public, but staffing is limited. If your call is not answered immediately, please leave a message and your call will be returned in the order it was received. You may also call 360-428-3211 to request assistance from an officer. Always call 911 for emergencies.

Joe Bailey Phone: (360) 466-2501 Email: jbailey@swinomish.nsn.us

Tribal Court Blair Paige Phone: (360) 982-1779 Email: bpage@swinomish.nsn.us Parties can contact the Senior Court Clerk Blair Paige between 8:30AM-5:00PM Monday – Friday

TRIBAL ADVOCATE

Laurence Blakely Phone: (360) 708-4493 Email: lblakely@swinomish.nsn.us Please reach out by phone if you have questions about a pending criminal matter.

TRIBAL PROSECUTOR

Melissa Simonsen Phone: (360) 466-7371 Email: msimonson@swinomish.nsn.us

UTILITY AUTHORITY

On-call maintenance and billing questions Phone: (360) 466-7223 Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 23

YOUR STIMULUS CHECK Check the IRS website at IRS.gov/coronavirus for the latest information about the Economic Impact Payment

HOW MUCH IS IT WORTH?

Eligible individuals with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 for single filers, $112,500 for head of household filers and $150,000 for married filing jointly are eligible for the full $1,200 for individuals and $2,400 married filing jointly. In addition, they are eligible for an additional $500 per qualifying child.

For filers with income above those amounts, the payment amount is reduced by $5 for each $100 above the $75,000/$112,500/$150,000 thresholds.

WHO IS NOT ELIGIBLE?

Although some filers, such as high-income filers, will not qualify for an Economic Impact Payment, most will.

Taxpayers likely won't qualify if any of the following apply: » Your adjusted gross income is greater than $99,000 if your filing status was single or married filing separately; $136,500 for head of household; or $198,000 if your filing status was married filing jointly. » You can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.

DO I NEED TO TAKE ACTION?

No additional action is needed by taxpayers who: » have already filed their tax returns this year for 2019. The IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount. » haven’t filed yet for 2019 but filed a 2018 federal tax return. For these taxpayers the IRS will use their information from 2018 tax filings to make the Economic Impact Payment calculations.

WHAT IF I'M NOT REQUIRED TO FILE A TAX RETURN? If you don’t have to file, use the "Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here" application to provide simple information so you can get your payment.

This tool is only for those who: 1) earned less than $12,200 ($24,400 for married couples) for 2019, or

2) were otherwise not required to file a federal income tax return.

Here is the website link to the "Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here" application: irs.gov/coronavirus/ non-filers-enter-payment-info-here

» You do not have a valid Social Security number.

I NEED TO FILE A TAX RETURN. HOW LONG ARE THE ECONOMIC IMPACT » You filed Form 1040-NR or Form 1040NR-EZ, Form PAYMENTS AVAILABLE? » You are a nonresident alien.

1040-PR or Form 1040-SS for 2019.

HOW DOES THE IRS KNOW WHERE TO SEND MY PAYMENT?

The vast majority of people do not need to take any action. The IRS will calculate and automatically send the economic impact payment to those eligible.

For people who have already filed their 2019 tax returns, the IRS will use this information to calculate the payment amount. For those who have not yet filed their return for 2019, the IRS will use information from their 2018 tax filing to calculate the payment. The economic impact payment will be deposited directly into the same banking account reflected on the return filed.

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For those concerned about visiting a tax professional or local community organization in person to get help with a tax return, these economic impact payments will be available throughout the rest of 2020.

PAYMENT RECIPIENTS: WATCH FOR AN IRS LETTER

For security reasons, the IRS plans to mail a letter about the economic impact payment to the taxpayer’s last known address within 15 days after the payment is paid.

The letter will provide information on how the payment was made and how to report any failure to receive the payment. If you are unsure you are receiving a legitimate letter, the IRS urges you to visit IRS.gov first to protect against scam artists.

ECONOMIC IMPACT PAYMENTS

The vast majority of people do not need to take any action.

The IRS will calculate and automatically send the economic impact payments to those eligible.

Anyone with a tax filing obligation who has not yet filed a tax return for 2018 or 2019 should file as soon as they can to receive an economic impact payment.

F YOU T II NSSD TO F ISL U S

e-File

Free File

Direct Deposit*

Taxpayers and tax professionals are encouraged to file electronically.

Use IRS Free File if your adjusted gross income is $69,000 or less.

Combining direct deposit with electronic filing is the fastest way to receive your refund.

* The economic impact payment will be deposited directly into the same bank account reflected on the return filed. www.IRS.gov/coronavirus Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide 25

STAYING CONNECTED... WHILE “SOCIAL DISTANCING” LORI NASH, M.A., LMFT, COUNSELOR AT SWINOMISH

Social distancing - It’s a term we hear a lot these days, as a way to minimize the spread of the coronavirus.

While keeping your distance from others is one of the most effective ways to slow the spread of this virus, “social distancing” isn’t really an accurate description of the tool.

Instead, let’s think of it as “physical distancing” - stay at least six feet from other people, and don’t touch others - but socially, do your best to stay close. In fact, there has never been a more important time to stay close and connected with others.

SOCIAL ISOLATION CAN LEAD TO DEPRESSION + ANXIETY

People are wired to connect with others. It’s one of our most basic human needs. We become isolated, sad, anxious, stressed and lonely with out connection.

Social isolation has been shown to have negative effects on a person’s mental and physical wellbeing. Scientific studies have proven that isolation and loneliness lowers your immune system, and has the same negative effects on your health as 15 cigarettes a day!

HOW CAN YOU STAY EMOTIONALLY CLOSE BUT PHYSICALLY DISTANT?

It’s possible to be with others and minimize the risk of spreading the coronavirus. Obviously, don’t hug or kiss, but also don’t shake hands, fist bump or high-five.

Here are some things you CAN do to stay as connected as possible during this time of “distancing.” » Get outside and go for walks, hikes, or bike rides with a friend or family member.

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» Pick up the phone - not to check your social media, but to make a call to a friend, family member, or any loved one! Make it a habit to call at least one person a day to check in with each other. » Enjoy a video chat using a platform like FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, or Google Hangouts. It's a perfect time to meet for a “video lunch." » Text! It’s not ideal, but it’s an easy way to say “I love you” or “I’m thinking of you.” WhatsApp is a texting application you can use for connecting with friends, family and loved ones overseas or in the military.

OUR ELDERS ARE MORE PRONE TO ISOLATION, ANXIETY + DEPRESSION

Elders are finding it much more difficult to maintain social connections now that community events and dinners are cancelled, and friends and family are staying close to home. This is why it’s more important than ever to make a daily effort to reach out to elders.

You can call them just to check in, see if they need anything, or just tell them you are thinking about them. If an elder has a computer or a smart phone, send them a text or an email. You can even get them set up on a video chat program and show them how to do it; just remember to sanitize the mouse, keyboard, and surrounding area before and after you use it. And remember the six-footdistance rule!

It's not as easy as usual times, but if you make an extra effort and get a little creative, you can stay connected with friends and loved ones during this challenging time.

In fact, it’s essential that you do this - not only for your mental health, but for your physical health as well.

MONITOR THE EMOTIONAL HEALTH OF YOUR CHILDREN Take care of the emotional health of your young household members. This outbreak can be stressful for adults and children. Children respond differently to stressful situations than adults. Talk with your children about the outbreak in a calm way, and reassure them that they are safe.

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NOTICES April 1

LATE FEES AND INTEREST WAIVED ON 2020 USE & OCCUPANCY TAX PAYMENTS RECEIVED BY MAY 30 In recognition of financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Swinomish Tribal Senate today approved a 30-day waiver of all late penalties, charges, and interest for first-half 2020 Trust Improvement Use & Occupancy Tax payments by individual taxpayers.

This waiver applies to individual residential and commercial taxpayers who pay Use & Occupancy taxes directly to the Tribe on improvements located on leased trust land. Banks and other mortgage lenders that make tax payments from escrow accounts on behalf of their lending customers are not affected by the Senate action.

March 24

TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF TALLAWHALT MORTGAGE PAYMENTS Due to COVID-19 and the Public Health Emergency, the Tallawhalt Committee and Senate approved a temporary suspension of Tallawhalt mortgage payments for three months (April, May and June), with the three payments deferred to the end of the mortgage. There will be no assessment of late fees and there will be no collection on delinquent accounts. The Tallawhalt Committee will review the temporary suspension in June to determine if additional time is warranted.

March 23

SWINOMISH HOUSING AUTHORITY: RENT RELIEF The SHA Board of Commissioners voted to (1) waive April, May and June rent for renters in SHA rental units; and (2) for homeowners under the Mutual Help and Occupancy Agreement, mortgage payments for April, May and June will not be payable at this time and will be deferred to the end of the agreement. The Commissioners will reassess the temporary waivers in June."

NEED HELP WITH YOUR UNEMPLOYMENT APPLICATION? CONTACT ALICIA NEELY Phone: (360) 540-4592 Email: tax@swinomish.nsn.us

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HAVE YOU BEEN LAID OFF OR HAVE YOUR HOURS BEEN REDUCED DUE TO COVID-19?

You may be eligible for expanded unemployment benefits through the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD). This includes people who work for tribes, tribally owned businesses, small businesses, independent contractors, artisans and musicians.

Apply online: esd.wa.gov/unemployment/UI-one-stop -OR- call 1-800-318-6022 If you are denied unemployment benefits, the Unemployment Law Project (ULP) may be able to help you. Call ULP: (206) 441-9178 or toll-free 1-888-441-9178 (Seattle). Or, if you think you’re low income, call the Northwest Justice Project’s (NJP) CLEAR Hotline at 1-888-201-1014 weekdays between 9:15 am-12:15 pm.

TIPS

» When applying for unemployment, start with the website (esd.wa.gov) before you call. » Due to an unprecedented increase in unemployment, the Employment Security Department (ESD) is very busy. Keep calling! Don’t give up! » Because the laws have changed and ESD needs time to set up the systems to handle all the changes, you may be denied initially. Don’t despair! You have the right to appeal the denial and a legal advocate from ULP or NJP may be able to help you.

RECENT CHANGES UNDER FEDERAL LAW TO UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE » Job search requirements are optional in most cases. » There is no waiting week before you get benefits. » Although the federal stimulus package has passed, ESD estimates that it will take them until April 18, 2020 to get the Unemployment Assistance portion of the legislation up and running. ESD will then be able to make retroactive payments for both the weekly benefit amount owed as well as the additional $600 per week.

Drafted by the Native American Unit of the Northwest Justice Project. Last Revised April 15, 2020.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: The Northwest Justice Project (NJP) prepared this for general information purposes only. The information presented is not legal advice, is not to be acted on as such, may not be current and is subject to change without notice. NJP strongly recommends that you consult with legal counsel regarding your specific circumstances.

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SWINOMISH DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY The SDA is working hard to ensure that our Swinomish tribal enterprises continue to provide essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

didgʷálič Wellness Center is firmly committed to continuing its life-saving health services and substance use disorder services during this time of need in the community. Here are the steps we are taking to protect patients and staff during the COVID-19 crisis: » Updated patient emergency contacts, phone numbers, and signed releases » Pre-screening patients for COVID-19 symptoms before entry onto transportation vans » Providing gloves and masks to any symptomatic patients » Set up outdoor triage tent for screening patients before entry into the clinic » Offering curbside dosing for patients older than 60 years old or medically fragile » Suspended group therapy sessions

The Swinomish Markets provide food, fuel, and supplies and are designated as “essential services” by Swinomish Senate Resolution 2020-03-073 (Stay Home Resolution).

The markets will remain open to serve the community. We have taken a number of steps to protect both our guests and team members in the stores and at the gas pumps: » Disinfecting and spraying down gas pump handles and credit card pad every 30 minutes » Providing staff with latex protective gloves » Increased cleaning and disinfecting of restrooms and high-touch areas

» Shortened business hours to 5:30am- 2:00pm

» Created a 6-foot distance between cash registers and customers. This is marked by a line on floor in which customers are asked to stand behind.

» Held a weekend-long strategic worst-casescenario staff planning session on March 14th

» Installed plexiglass “sneeze guards” across all cashier counters, to reduce staff exposure

» Prohibiting more than 15 people in clinic at a time

» Ordered food for the Swinomish elder program, utilizing our wholesale ordering capacity

» Prohibiting all visitors in the main building

» Requiring everyone in the waiting room to maintain six-feet distance from each other at all times » Set up Telehealth with our medical and psychiatric providers » Now offering telephone counseling and/or Zoom video counseling for mental health and SUD clients

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» Continually re-stocking food and other essentials to ensure supply chains for the community » Reduced hours of operations » Staff schedules are being modified to accomodate their “at home” needs

Swinomish Shellfish Company provides fresh seafood to the tribal community and is designated as an “essential service” by Swinomish Senate Resolution 2020-03-073 (Stay Home Resolution). Thankfully, much of our work occurs outdoors on the tidelands of the Similk Bay, so we are able to maintain safe social distancing for our staff. We are also committed to supplying oysters to the community and have taken a number of steps to ensure safety: » Providing hand sanitizer at entrances to buildings, and during sales of oysters

Salish Coast Cannabis provides medicinal cannabis products and is designated as an “essential service”

by Swinomish Senate Resolution 2020-03-073 (Stay Home Resolution). Here’s what we are doing to protect our guests and staff as we maintain services: » Fully operationalized online ordering, for pick-up in store » Offering curb side pickup for customers

» Maintaining social distancing in the workplace

» Increased disinfecting in high-touch areas

» Cleaning our work spaces regularly

» Created a 6-foot line on floors in front of cash registers for customers to stand behind, to ensure social distancing

» Minimizing contact with our product leading up to and during sale » Maintaining social distancing during transactions » Always wearing gloves when making transactions » Passing over sold product in a clean bucket, minimizing contact between individuals and product.

We are also providing assistance to the fishing fleet and community food handouts at the fish plant:

» Provided staff members gloves to use when handling cash » Installing plexiglass “sneeze guards” across all cashier counters, to reduce staff exposure » Will begin limiting the number of customers instore to 10 at a time » Staff can only handle product prior to purchasing, reducing exposure to our team

» Shellfish and fish plant crew are providing labor and other assistance » Staff are manning forklift and other equipment and assisting with receiving and unloading food and other supplies » Coordinating and providing refrigerated, frozen, and dry storage at the fish plant as well as working space for food distribution teams » Coordinating, preparing, and smoking C&S fish for community handouts » Providing ice for fishing fleet

Swinomish Casino & Lodge March 16 – Due to the global pandemic and the impact of COVID-19, Swinomish Casino & Lodge is temporarily closed until further notice.

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COME TO YOUR CENSUS! With so much going on, it is important to remember that the 2020 U.S. Census is still happening. In this time of personal sacrifice, stay-at-home orders, and practicing resilience, please make sure to represent our community by responding to the 2020 U.S. Census online at my2020census.gov.

Did you know our community misses out on tens of thousands of dollars for every person who isn’t counted?

Each individual contributes an estimated $30,000 over ten years, until the next U.S. Census (the next one isn't until 2030)! Spend 10 minutes filling out your census now to gain 10 years of funding support for our community.

Every ten years the Constitution mandates a complete count of every living person in the country and accuracy is critical to our community in so many ways. A complete count ensures our community receives our fair share of federal funding, accurate congressional representation, and many other essential services. Being counted means standing up for yourself, your family, and your tribal community.

Thankfully the preferred method of responding is online or by phone. It only takes a few minutes to complete and your information is confidential.

COMPLETE YOUR CENSUS ONLINE: my2020census.gov -ORRESPOND BY PHONE: (844) 330-2020

EVERYBODY COUNTS! SWINOMISH SUPPORTS THE 2020 U.S. CENSUS. 32

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WHY SHOULD YOU BE COUNTED? Power! In the same way that we as Native people have begun to flex our muscles at the polls through Native Vote, it is time for tribal citizens to be fully counted in the 2020 Census.

An accurate count of American Indians and Alaska Natives is necessary for state redistricting processes and is the basis for many federal dollars that flow into Indian Country annually. Being counted as Native will directly benefit you, your family, and your tribal community.

Did you know? » Taken every ten years, the census is the only uniform count of the U.S. population, producing figures for the nation as a whole and for every geographic area within it — down to the smallest American Indian reservation and Alaska Native village. The census is the only source of this kind of data, with thousands of uses that benefit all American Indians and Alaska Natives. » Census data is the basis for the allocation of more than $675 billion annually, of which $1 billion is dedicated to Indian Country. These funds are used to build tribal housing and make improvements, maintain and construct roads, and provide employment and training. » American Indian and Alaska Natives were not counted in the first six censuses from 1790 through 1850. Since that time, they have been at risk for undercounts for various reasons, including: miscategorizing mixed-race American Indians, language barriers, resistance to federal government activities, and lack of culturally-knowledgeable census takers. » In recent censuses, American Indians and Alaska Natives living on reservations have experienced some of the highest estimated net undercounts of any demographic group in the United States. » Census answers are private and confidential. By law, the Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s or a household’s answers with any person or agency, e.g. not the IRS, not law enforcement entities, not tribal housing authorities.

Here are just a handful of potential uses of census data and why ensuring a complete count of our community is critical: » Analyzing the need for Head Start services. The census provides counts of American Indian and Alaska Native children for every community within an American Indian or Alaska Native area. » Planning the development of facilities for tribal elders. By showing the distribution of American Indian and Alaska Native people by age, census figures help determine appropriate locations for community facilities in tribal areas. » Strengthening programs for tribal citizens living in the big cities. Census numbers provide the only detailed profiles available of off-reservation American Indian and Alaska Native people, profiles used by the urban Native centers that serve them. » Helping tribal government agencies and tribally based non-profits, such as Boys and Girls Clubs, to raise money. Census data is used in countless proposals to federal, state and local agencies, as well as to private foundations, to secure funding to create and expand programs for Native people. » Building political clout. Census numbers are used not only to determine how many seats each state gets in Congress, but to draw boundary lines for Congressional, state, and local legislative districts. » Supporting reservation economic development.

Tribal entrepreneurs and prospective investors use statistics about the size of the potential market for local services, along with the size of the potential labor force needed to produce the goods and services a business might offer.

Participating in the census by completing your household’s questionnaire is easy. The form is short and simple, asking only basic questions about each person’s sex, age, and race, and whether the house, apartment, or mobile home is owned or rented. It should take the average household only about ten minutes to complete.

Being counted means standing up for yourself, your family, and your tribal community.

Source: Indian Country Counts Toolkit; 2020 Census Tribal Consultation Handbook

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AVOID CORONAVIRUS SCAMS Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the COVID-19. Here are some tips fo help you keep these con artists away

Know who you’re buying from

Online sellers may claim to have high demand products such as cleaning, household, and medical supplies when, in fact, they don’t. Trust who you buy from.

Hang up on robocalls

Hang up! Don’t press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes. The recording might say that pressing a number will let you speak to a live operator or remove you from their call list, but it might just lead to more robocalls.

Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits

Scammers are trying to get you to buy products that aren’t proven to treat or prevent COVID-19 — online or in stores. At this time, there also are no FDA-authorized home test kits for the coronavirus.

Check the facts

Scammers, and sometimes well-meaning people, share information that hasn’t been verified. Before you pass on messages, research trusted sources.

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Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide

Don’t click that link!

Do not click links you receive from sources you do not know and trust. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.

Watch out for "experts"

Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus. For the most up-todate information about the coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Think before you donate

Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. And don’t let anyone rush you! If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.

Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 How to Wear Cloth Face Coverings Cloth face coverings should— • fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face • be secured with ties or ear loops • include multiple layers of fabric • allow for breathing without restriction • be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

CDC on Homemade Cloth Face Coverings CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

CDC also advises the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance.

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators. Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.

Should cloth face coverings be washed or otherwise cleaned regularly? How regularly?

Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use.

How does one safely sterilize/clean a cloth face covering?

A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a cloth face covering.

How does one safely remove a used cloth face covering?

Individuals should be careful not to touch their eyes, nose, and mouth when removing their cloth face covering and wash hands immediately after removing.

cdc.gov/coronavirus

CS316353B 04/04/2020, 12:22 PM

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Sewn Cloth Face Covering Materials

• Two 10”x6” rectangles of cotton fabric • Two 6” pieces of elastic (or rubber bands, string, cloth strips, or hair ties)

• Needle and thread (or bobby pin) • Scissors • Sewing machine

Tutorial 1. Cut out two 10-by-6-inch rectangles of cotton fabric. Use tightly woven cotton, such as quilting fabric or cotton sheets. T-shirt fabric will work in a pinch. Stack the two rectangles; you will sew the cloth face covering as if it was a single piece of fabric.

2. Fold over the long sides ¼ inch and hem. Then fold the double layer of fabric over ½ inch along the short sides and stitch down. fold

1/4 inch

stitch

stitch

1/4 inch 6 inches

fold 1/2 inch

1/2 inch

fold

10 inches

fold

stitch

stitch

3. Run a 6-inch length of 1/8-inch wide elastic through the wider hem on each side of the cloth face covering. These will be the ear loops.

Use a large needle or a bobby pin to thread it through. Tie the ends tight.

Don’t have elastic? Use hair ties or elastic head bands. If you only have string, you can make the ties longer and tie the cloth face covering behind your head. thread through

4. Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots are tucked inside the hem.

Gather the sides of the cloth face covering on the elastic and adjust so the cloth face covering fits your face. Then securely stitch the elastic in place to keep it from slipping.

tuck in knot

stitch

knot

stitch

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Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide

Quick Cut T-shirt Cloth Face Covering (no sew method) Materials

• T-shirt • Scissors

Tutorial 2.

1.

Tie strings around neck, then over top of head.

3.

6–7 inches

cut out

cut tie strings

7–8 inches

Bandana Cloth Face Covering (no sew method) Materials • Bandana (or square cotton cloth approximately 20”x20”) • Coffee filter

• Rubber bands (or hair ties) • Scissors (if you are cutting your own cloth)

Tutorial 1.

2.

3.

Fold filter in center of folded bandana.

Fold top down. Fold bottom up.

cut coffee filter

4.

Place rubber bands or hair ties about 6 inches apart.

5.

6.

7.

Fold side to the middle and tuck.

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APRIL SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS CONGRATULATIONS Ships Leading Petty Officer Smith!

He is the first one in history of the unit to achieve this rank since 1981!

Here's to you, SLPO Smith!

LAURA NAGEL

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY, NANA!

HAPPY 7TH BIRTHDAY, WINTER JAY!

LOVE, CARTER, G'MA, HUN, AND HONEY

LOVE, MOM & DAD

LINKS TO AREA STATS AND OTHER RESOURCES » OFFICIAL SWINOMISH WEBSITE swinomish-nsn.gov » JOHN HOPKINS UNIVERSITY CASE SUMMARY MAP coronavirus.jhu.edu/us-map » SKAGIT COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH skagitcounty.net » WHATCOM COUNTY whatcomcounty.us/3329/Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19 » WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH doh.wa.gov/emergencies/coronavirus » CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION cdc.gov » INDIAN COUNTRY TODAY indiancountrytoday.com/coronavirus/ » IHME (COVID-19 PROJECTIONS) covid19.healthdata.org/united-states-of-america » MYNORTHWEST LIVE UPDATES mynorthwest.com/1781250/live-updates-coronavirus-washington-state/ 38

Coronavirus Information & Resource Guide

POSITIVE PARENTING DURING THIS TIME

It’s normal to experience stress and anxiety during an uncertain time. The outbreak of COVID-19 may cause stress, fear, and anxiety; making parenting difficult.

Everyone responds differently to stress, but there are things that can be done to help you as a parent and your children.

REDUCING PARENTAL STRESS

RECOGNIZE THAT THE CHILDREN MAY BE STRESSED OR ANXIOUS, TOO With school closings and increased time spent inside, children are adjusting to a new routine, which may cause them to experience stress and anxiety. Here are some ways to help them:

While caring for others, parents need to take care of themselves. Taking the time to ensure self care will help when it comes to taking care of others.

» Be honest with them about the COVID-19 outbreak and why they are home from school. Answer questions and provide facts in a way that children can understand.

» Take it easy on yourself. Do the best that you can do, and be forgiving of yourself and others. These are hard times for everyone. No one can do it all, all of the time.

» Reassure them that they are safe. Let them know it’s ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you. Check in with them to make sure they are doing okay.

» Know that you are not alone. Friends, family, and neighbors are adapting to children being home all day. Find community with these people. Call or video chat with your support networks. » Communicate with others in your home who are helping take care of the children. » It’s okay to take a break! Spend a minute checking in with your body. Stretch, meditate, pray. » Take a deep breath, and another, and then another. » Practice your craft, or start one. Beadwork, weaving, painting. » Splash cold water on your face or hug a pillow. » Turn on some music. Maybe even sing along. » Pick up a pencil and write down as many helpful words as you can think of. Save the list.

» Teach them about keeping a safe distance. » Create a new routine. Recognize that this might change with time, so be flexible, but consistent. » Help them connect (via phone, video chat, sending letters/drawings, etc) with friends and family.

Listen to local radio, practice Lushootsed, or work on a craft. » Be open and listen to them. Communicate calmly and clearly. Set clear and realistic limits. » Give them a choice to follow instructions before giving them a consequence. Once the consequence ends, give them an opportunity to do something good and praise them for it. » Correct and redirect them without losing control.

Take a step back if you get frustrated with them.

Source: CDC, IHS

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