Colville Reservation closes to visitors

NESPELEM – Following confirmation of the first reported COVID-19 cases in both Ferry and Okanogan counties the Colville Confederated Tribes (CCT) have closed the Colville Reservation effective Wednesday, March 25, to all visitors and non-essential traffic until further notice.
A CCT media release advises that reservation access remains open for tribal members, non-member Reservation residents, tribe employees, food, postal, delivery and other essential services, and other pre-approved personnel outside the agency.
“The state highways on the Reservation also remain open to through traffic,” the release said. “These include Highway 155, 97, and 21. Highway signs will urge travelers through the Reservation to Stay Safe and Stay Home.”
The Colville Tribal Incident Management Team was notified of the first positive COVID-19 tests in both Ferry and Okanogan counties. The Northeast Tri-County Health District (NETCHD) announced on March 25 of the first positive coronavirus case in Ferry County. Okanogan County Emergency Management advised on Tuesday, March 24, of the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Okanogan County. As of this writing both individuals who tested positive are self-isolated in their homes and pose no threat to their communities.
“This closure is consistent with other recent actions taken by the Colville Tribes to protect all people from the pandemic,” said Colville Tribal Chairman Randy Cawston. “It is also consistent with the Stay at Home order recently issued by Governor Jay Inslee to protect all citizens of the state of Washington.”
The Incident Management Team, Colville Business Council and Colville Service Unit of the Indian Health Service (HIS) have set up a drive-through COVID-19 Assessment at the Nespelem Agency HIS clinic to help contain the spread of coronavirus onto the Reservation. The clinic will be open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday, March 26 for all HIS patients.