Blackfeet Tribe – Phased Protocols

The Blackfeet Nation declared a State of Emergency related to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 15, 2020, and remains in this State of Emergency to date

Community Members’ Responsibilities

Every member of the Blackfeet Tribe plays an important role in preventing the spread of disease and protecting other community members; especially elders, those with type 2 diabetes, severe obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure. For example, when appropriate, isolating or quarantining oneself is an act of protecting others. It is a priority that all community members clearly understand how they can contribute to the success of the Blackfeet Tribe’s response.

Printable PDF version of the Blackfeet Phase Plan. Updated 1.27.21

Response Objectives

Every communicable disease emergency is unique and will require objectives that are specific to the incident. Common objectives can include the following:

Prevent the spread of disease in our community
Protect the safety of, and provide for the health and wellness of, all incident responders including safe work and living environments
Provide timely, complete, and accurate guidance to tribal community members on the incident, response, disease, prevention, and when to seek medical care
Assure tribal community members have access to resources for disease prevention and to medical care when needed
Assure the tribal healthcare facility has access to guidance on diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and infection control
Assure the tribal healthcare facility has access to the resources needed to continue providing care
Assure tribal responders and healthcare providers are properly trained and have access to personal protective equipment (PPE)
Assure access to available resources through coordination and collaboration with other jurisdictions and partners
Implement disease control measures in a manner that is culturally correct and applies science-based approaches and public health best practices

Metrics Development

Metrics used to determine movement through Phase Plans for this document are based off of the rates provided by COVID Local and adapted for the Blackfeet Nation. To learn more about COVID Local and its guidelines, see covidlocal.org.

Phase Restrictions

Moving back through the Phases may happen rapidly based on surveillance data and recommendations from health authorities, Incident Command, and Blackfeet Tribal Business Council.

Lockdown

Fines will be instituted according to current Tribal Ordinances.

	Lockdown – Can be implemented for up to 48-72 hours at a time, generally weekends.
How to determine when to be in this phase: More than 50 active cases AND cases rising over previous 7 day average on Blackfeet Nation, if data is available; and Recommendation from the healthcare and public health officials
Tribal Workforce	Only the following program staff will conduct work in-person or in tribal offices: BLES, EMS, IHS Security, Care Center, Fish and Game, Nurturing Center, CCLTC, Fire Protection, SPHC, Incident Command. Employees reporting to or from duty are exempted from the Weekend Lockdown but must carry official identification or a letter of designation from their employer on official letterhead which includes a contact name and number for verification. Breakrooms and employee gathering spaces will be closed in all Tribal offices.
Community	Community members must remain in place at their primary residence with the exception of obtaining medical care or attending to emergency situations. Outdoor recreation is allowed only with members of your primary residence. Individuals are still permitted to cultivate food (i.e. farming), tend to livestock, and hunt. However, plan ahead to purchase hay and feed, if needed. CURFEW: 10p – 6a
Businesses	All businesses must close except for the following: Healthcare Operations, Essential Governmental Functions (voting, postal services), Essential Infrastructure (utilities, roads), Food Cultivation operations.
Additional Recommendations	All schools require staff and students to work and learn remotely. Cease all school-related sports or other in-person activities. Major employers such as BIA, IHS, BCC offer teleworking opportunities for all employees when possible.

Phase 1: Stay At Home

	Phase 1: Stay At Home
How to determine when to be in this phase: Active cases are not consistently declining over the last 3 weeks (21 days); and More than 21 new cases per week in Blackfeet Nation for two consecutive weeks; and Testing is NOT readily available to all symptomatic people, all asymptomatic high-risk individuals, or contacts As recommended by Health Officials, vaccination statistics may also provide direction for the opening of Non-essential operations under the Blackfeet Tribal Business Regulation Order.
Tribal Workforce	All tribal employees will be expected to conduct work from home, if possible. People who are not conducting essential business in the building should not be allowed entry into the building. This includes family and friends of employees who are not conducting business. Tribal staff presenting for in-person work will be screened for COVID symptoms at the beginning and end of every shift. Tribal staff presenting for in-person work will routinely submit to a COVID test for the purpose of quickly identifying outbreaks. Breakrooms and employee gathering spaces will be closed in all Tribal offices. Tribal Government will be conducted by video conference.
Phase 1: Stay At Home (Continued)
Community	Community members should stay in place at their primary residence and refrain from interaction between homes of extended families and friends. Exceptions will be made for childcare, eldercare, and other types of essential care. In-person meetings required for upholding essential tribal or civic duties may be permitted. Video conferencing is encouraged whenever possible. Masks are required in all public places. $500 fine. Quarantine Orders/Isolation Orders. Persons subject to current quarantine/isolation orders shall do so for fourteen (14) days, until such orders are amended at the recommendation of public health. The fine for violation of these orders is $5,000.00 per occurrence. Pursuant to Resolution No. 26-2021 persons shall continue to be fined $500.00 if engaged in house parties or are soliciting or loitering, or are engaged in unapproved gatherings on the Reservation. On reservation travel is restricted to essentials including grocery shopping, obtaining medications and medical attention. Off reservation travel should be followed by a period of voluntary self-quarantine for 10 days if a person participates in activities off-reservation that are not allowed on-reservation (Examples: in-person gatherings, dining at restaurants). No in-person gatherings, including, but not limited to, weddings, birthdays, sporting events, or spiritual gatherings. Funerals may be allowed graveside for immediate family with the advanced approval of a committee including the Safety Officer, Tribal Public Health, Incident Commander. Do not engage in risky outdoor recreation that may strain the healthcare or emergency response systems further. Hunting is allowed pursuant to the current Fish and Game Code on the Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife website. Do not recreate with people who live outside of your immediate household. CURFEW: 10p to 6a*
Businesses	Non-essential Businesses must close in Phase 1. These include: Casinos, conference areas, arenas, stadiums, gyms, fitness centers, hair and nail salons, barber shops, tattoo parlors, spas, in-person retail (not including medical or pharmacy), in-person dining, roadside markets, youth programs. Essential Businesses & Essential Governmental Functions (voting, postal services) may remain open as long as masks are worn and a 6ft distance can be maintained in Phase 1 Outline under the following “Minimum Regulation” guidance set forth in Resolution 285-2020 and included at the bottom of the table. Limited hours: 8a to 7p See the Business Guidance Outline Below for More Business Requirements
Additional Recommendations	All schools require staff and students to work and learn remotely, working in-person only if the work cannot be accomplished at home. Cease all school-related sports or other in-person activities. Major employers such as BIA, IHS, BCC offer teleworking opportunities for all employees when possible.

Phase 2: Restricted Opening

	Phase 2: Restricted Opening
How to determine when to be in this phase: Sustained active case decline over the last 3 weeks (21 days); and Less than 21 new cases per week on Blackfeet Nation for two consecutive weeks; and All symptomatic people, all asymptomatic high-risk individuals, or contacts can access testing As recommended by Health Officials, vaccination statistics may also provide direction for the opening of non-essential operations under the Blackfeet Tribal Business Regulation Order.
Sector	Procedures / Recommendations
Tribal Workforce	All tribal employees will be supported to conduct work from home, if appropriate for their position. Tribal Offices to remain closed to the public unless providing medical or social services that require in-person interaction to serve the public. All Programs are required to ensure public services continue to the public remotely when possible. Tribal staff presenting for in-person work will be screened for COVID symptoms at the beginning of every shift. Tribal staff presenting for in-person work will routinely submit to a COVID test on a bi-weekly basis for purposes of quickly identifying outbreaks. Breakrooms and employee gathering spaces may be opened if 6ft distancing can be maintained. Staff returning or new hires reporting to work shall be properly screened and quarantined prior to entering the workforce. Reminder: All employees are expected to check with the Blackfeet Personnel Department for COVID-19 personnel policies under Ordinance #121, with approved work plans.
Community	Community members must 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. Resolution No. 26-2021 shall continue during this phase. Masks are required in all public places. $500 fine. Quarantine Orders/Isolation Orders. Persons subject to current quarantine/isolation orders shall do so for fourteen (14) days, until such orders are amended at the recommendation of public health. The fine for violation of these orders is $5,000 per occurrence. Pursuant to Resolution No. 26-2021 persons shall continue to be fined $500 if engaged in house parties or are soliciting or loitering, or are engaged in unapproved gatherings on the Reservation. Tribal campgrounds and other open spaces for gathered public recreation can be reopened at the discretion of the BTBC. Hunting is allowed pursuant to the current Fish and Game Code on the Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife website. Non-member hunting, fishing, recreation is prohibited, unless special tags are issued. Essential travel shall be allowable if due to essential activities to procure medical services, food, medicine or pursuant to tribal court orders such as custody and visitation orders. Reckless violation of travel privileges shall be fined. Social Distancing Orders remain in effect. All persons within the Blackfeet Reservation shall be required to maintain a six (6) ft distance. $500 fine. CURFEW: 11p to 6a. Reminder: Personal Responsibility upon everyone is paramount and compliance with Resolution No. 26-2021 and the current CDC guidelines will ensure the Community is able to combat infection rates from COVID-19, and to permit the Blackfeet Nation to move to Phase 3 for recovery.
Phase 2: Restricted Opening (Continued)
Businesses	Listed non-essential businesses in this phase may open upon the administrative order of the Revenue Director. Businesses must maintain approved operating plans pursuant to such administrative orders for that particular business. All Businesses shall be required to work with and follow the administrative orders of the Director of Revenue. Capacity. 25% – 50% of maximum occupancy allowed for in-person transactions with approved operating plans by the Revenue Director. PERMITTED BUSINESSES: Dining or restaurant establishments: allowed drive-thru and curbside takeout only Financial Institutions. Salons, Barbers, and Tattoo Parlors Wellness Facilities Lodging shall be allowed pursuant to the business regulation order. All other NBO’s as approved by the incident command/Public health pursuant to administrative order of Director of Revenue. Glacier Peaks Casino may open according to the plan approved by the Blackfeet Revenue Director, Blackfeet Gaming Commission, and BTBC. PERMITTED ACTIVITIES: Churches, Ceremonies, Outdoor Campgrounds and Parks for Community residents with supportive assistance from Incident Command. Not regulated by Revenue.
Schools	Schools consider offering in-person school instruction with appropriate plans to reduce or eliminate COVID-19 transmission in school settings. Plans for re-opening should be shared with BTBC and Tribal Public Health Officers. Sporting events can take place with a pre-approved safety plan for players and spectators that follow COVID guidance as approved by the committee including the Safety Officer, Tribal Public Health, Incident Commander. *If outbreaks become associated with sporting events, then the events will be cancelled by the Blackfeet Incident Commander.

Phase 3: New Normal

	Phase 3: New Normal
How to determine when to be in this phase: Continued decline in daily cases; and 7 or fewer new cases per week in Blackfeet Nation for two consecutive weeks; and All symptomatic people, all asymptomatic high-risk individuals, or contacts CAN access testing; Increasing number of tests per day, nearing sufficiency As recommended by Health Officials, vaccination statistics may also provide direction for the opening of Non-essential operations under the Blackfeet Tribal Business Regulation Order.
Sector	Procedures / Recommendations
Tribal Workforce	All tribal employees will be supported to conduct work from home, if appropriate for their position. All Programs are required to ensure public services continue to the public remotely when possible. Tribal staff presenting for in-person work will be screened for COVID symptoms at the beginning of every shift. Tribal staff presenting for in-person work will routinely submit to a COVID test on a bi-weekly basis for purposes of quickly identifying outbreaks. Breakrooms and employee gathering spaces may be opened.
Community	Community members are encouraged to continue to practice social distancing, mask wearing, and proper hand hygiene while in public settings. Masks are encouraged in all public places. Reconsider travel to areas experiencing outbreaks. Quarantine Orders/Isolation Orders. Persons subject to current quarantine/isolation orders shall do so for fourteen (14) days, until such orders are amended at the recommendation of public health. The fine for violation of these orders is $5,000.00 per occurrence. Public gatherings are required to maintain social distancing, mask wearing, and proper hand hygiene. Gatherings of more than 50 people, including but not limited to funerals, weddings, birthdays, sporting events, and spiritual gatherings must have a plan following COVID guidelines and be approved by the committee including the Safety Officer, Tribal Public Health, Incident Commander. All public recreation open. CURFEW: To be determined by Blackfeet Tribal Business Council
Businesses	75% of maximum occupancy allowed for all businesses. Open businesses must still be able to comply with the “Minimum Standards” as listed at the bottom of this table.
Additional Recommendations	Sporting events with pre-approved safety plan for players and spectators that follow COVID guidance as approved by the committee including the Safety Officer, Tribal Public Health, Incident Commander.

*All orders work hand in hand, each can be directed at any time per the number of active cases.

Business Guidance

Topic

Business & Activity Guidance

Essential vs. Non-essential Businesses

Non-essential Businesses include: Casinos, conference areas, arenas, stadiums, gyms, fitness centers, hair and nail salons, barber shops, spas, in-person retail (not including medical or pharmacy), in-person dining, roadside markets, youth programs.

Essential Businesses include:

Stores that sell groceries or medicine
Food production and agriculture
Organizations that provide charitable and social services
Media
Financial & Real estate services
Critical trades (construction, HVAC, janitorial, plumbing, electrical, etc.)
Mail
Education Institutions
Laundry Services
Liquor Businesses
Food Consumption (restaurants, food preparation)
Supplies for Essential Businesses
Residential Facilities / Shelters
Profession Services (legal, accounting, insurance, IT, real estate)
Supplies for Cultural/regalia Projects
Critical Labor Union Functions
Lodging Business (see limitations in Resolution 170-2021)

All Phases

Minimum Regulations:

Designate six-foot distances. Designating with signage, tape, or by other means six-foot spacing for employees and customers in line to maintain appropriate distance.
Hand sanitizer and sanitizing products. Having hand sanitizer and sanitizing products readily available for employees and patrons.
Separate operating hours for vulnerable populations. Implementing separate operating hours for elderly and vulnerable customers.
PPE for employees. Provision of personal protective equipment to employees. For retailers engaged in post of sale contact, a plexi-glass barrier shall be erected between the clerk or teller and patron at the point of sale operation.
Online and remote access. Posting online whether a facility is open and how best to reach the facility and continue services by phone or remotely.
PPE required for patrons. All businesses shall require all patrons to wear a mask when on premises.
Cleansing of Common Areas. In areas used by patrons, each business shall require regular cleansing of such areas, preferable between the periods of patron use.
Industry Standard. Industry standards including CDC recommendations governing each industry must be adhered to.

Resolution No. 171-2021 Approves the Adoption of the Phase Plan Updated on January 27, 2021.

If you are in need of immediate medical care, dial 911.

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, call Blackfeet Community Hospital’s Coronavirus Hotline at (406) 338-6304 to discuss your condition before visiting a clinic.

If you DO NOT live on the Blackfeet Reservation, contact your local clinic for instructions.

If you live on the Blackfeet Reservation, click here to find a health facility near you.