Public Notice – Blackfeet Tribal Business Council and Blackfeet Incident Command Team

January 26, 2021

Phase 2 Announcement

After conferring with the Medical Team from both Blackfeet Community Hospital and Southern Piegan Health Center, the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council & Blackfeet Incident Command Team is issuing the following public notice:
  • On January 29, 2021 at 11:59 p.m., the Stay At Home Order under Phase 1 will expire.
  • On January 30, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the Blackfeet Reservation will move to a Restricted Opening – Phase 2 of the approved plan. Below is listed the outline for phase 2.
Blackfeet Tribe Phase 2 – Restricted Opening
  1. Community members are encouraged to severely limit their interactions with households other than their own. Consider forming “social cohorts” – a small, self-contained group of people who limit their interactions outside the cohort.
  2. Masks are required in all public places.
  3. Off reservation travel: It is recommended that a period of voluntary self-quarantine for 10 days be observed if a person participates in activities off-reservation that are at high risk for spreading COVID-19 (Examples: large in-person gatherings, going to bars).
  4. Tribal campgrounds and other open spaces for gathered public recreation can be reopened at the discretion of the BTBC.
  5. CURFEW: 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
  6. Churches & Ceremonies are allowed 25% capacity.
  7. Businesses – opening of most businesses at reduced capacity. Open businesses must still be able to comply with the “Minimum Standards” as listed at the bottom of the document. 50% of maximum occupancy allowed for in-person transactions in most businesses:
  • Dining or restaurant establishments are curbside only
  • Financial: bank lobby open at 50% capacity
  • Salons, Barbers, and Tattoo Parlors: Appointment only and allow time for cleaning between appointments
  • Lodging: Must follow CDC guidelines
  • Campgrounds & Parks: Open with limited capacity
  • Businesses are encouraged to screen employees for COVID symptoms at the beginning of every shift.
  • Businesses are encouraged to ensure adequate ventilation and air purification.

Vaccine Distribution

Allocations of COVID-19 vaccine are made weekly to the Billings Area Indian Health Service (IHS). As vaccines are received, IHS is distributing and administering vaccine consistent with guidance provided by the CDC and Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices:
  • Phase 1a: health care personnel and long term care facility residents
  • Phase 1b: persons 75 years and older and frontline essential workers (first responders, teachers, food and agriculture, manufacturing, correction workers, U.S. Postal Service, public transit, and grocery store workers)
  • Phase 1c: people aged 65 to 74 years old and people 16 to 64 years old who have high-risk medical conditions, and other essential workers
  • Phase 2: all other persons aged ≥16 years not already recommended for vaccination in Phases 1a, 1b, or 1c
It will take time to deliver and administer the vaccine. Until then, we must continue to diligently prevent the spread of COVID-19 by consistently practicing the 3 Ws: Wear a mask, Watch your distance, Wash your hands.

Facts About COVID-19 Vaccines

To stop this pandemic, we need to use all of our prevention tools.

How Vaccines Work
  • Vaccines are one of the most effective tools to protect your health and prevent disease. Vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses so your body will be ready to fight the virus, if you are exposed (also called immunity).
  • Other steps, like wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth and staying at least 6 feet away from other people you don’t live with, also help stop the spread of COVID-19.
  • Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19. Experts also think that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. These vaccines cannot give you the disease itself.
Safety
  • The vaccines are safe. The U.S. vaccine safety system makes sure that all vaccines are as safe as possible.
  • All the COVID-19 vaccines that are being used have gone through the same safety tests and meet the same standards as any other vaccines produced through the years.
  • A system in place across the entire country that allows CDC to watch for safety issues and make sure the vaccines stay safe.
Vaccine Types
  • Different types of COVID-19 vaccines will be available. Most of these vaccines are given in two shots, one at a time and spaced apart.
  • The first shot gets your body ready. The second shot is given at least three weeks later to make sure you have full protection.
  • If you are told you need two shots, make sure that you get both of them. The vaccines may work in slightly different ways, but all types of the vaccines will help protect you.
Side Effects
  • The vaccines may cause side effects in some people, like sore muscles, feeling tired, or mild fever. These reactions mean the vaccine is working to help teach your body how to fight COVID-19 if you are exposed.
  • For most people, these side effects will last no longer than a day or two.
  • Having these types of side effects does NOT mean that you have COVID-19.
  • If you have questions about your health after your shot, call your doctor, nurse, or clinic. As with any medicine, it is rare but possible to have a serious reaction, such as not being able to breathe. It is very unlikely that this will happen, but if it does, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
  • When you get the vaccine, you and your healthcare worker will both need to wear masks. CDC recommends that during the pandemic, people wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth when in contact with others outside their household, when in healthcare facilities, and when receiving any vaccine, including a COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Even after you get your vaccine, you will need to keep wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth, washing your hands often, and staying at least 6 feet away from other people you do not live with. This gives you and others the best protection from catching the virus.
  • Right now, experts don’t know how long the vaccine will protect you, so it’s a good idea to continue following the guidelines from CDC and your health department.
  • We also know not everyone will be able to get vaccinated right away, so it’s still important to protect yourself and others.
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