Tribal government to continue limiting access to campus through Friday, Aug. 27

By Dean Rhodes

Smoke Signals editor

Due to a continuing increase of COVID-19 cases in the community and among its workforce, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde government will continue its reopening pause that started in early August through at least Friday, Aug. 27.

“We will continue to limit access on the campus and encourage staff to work from home. For those unable to work from home, administrative leave will be granted,” General Manager David Fullerton announced via e-mail on Thursday, Aug. 19.

The pause started on Tuesday, Aug. 3, closing the governmental campus to everyone but essential employees due to an uptick in COVID-19 cases. It was the first COVID-related closure in almost three months.

“We all want to put this behind us, but the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over,” Fullerton said. “Practice social distancing, wash your hands and wear a mask. Let’s work together to get past this.”

Employees are encouraged to work from home if possible. Staff not able to work remotely have been given administrative leave. Additionally, the campus closed to visitors and guests. Essential employees who report to work are required to wear masks.

According to the Tribal government website, www.grandronde.org, there are six new active COVID-19 cases being monitored by the Health & Wellness Center and there are 31 active cases as of Thursday, Aug. 19.

The uptick in COVID-19 cases nationwide has been attributed to the Delta variant, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said is far more contagious than the original strain, and that some vaccinated people can get Delta in a breakthrough infection and may be contagious. However, vaccinated individuals represent a very small amount of transmissions, and virtually all hospitalizations and deaths continue to be among the unvaccinated.

All Tribal members and those who live in their households, other Native Americans and their household members, and Tribal employees and their household members 12 and older can schedule a vaccination through the Health & Wellness Center by calling 503-879-1900.