A rise in Covid-19 cases on the Rocky Boy’s Reservation has led to drastic emergency measures.
The Chippewa Cree Tribe’s Incident Command has called for a complete reservation shutdown, including a temporary, seven-day lockdown of borders from July 8 through 15.
The Chippewa Cree Tribal Business Committee raised the Rocky Boy's Reservation threat level to four, the highest level, on Tuesday.
The restrictions follow Rocky Boy Health Clinic’s confirmation of 5 positive novel coronavirus cases, the first of which was identified July 7.
A reservation curfew remains in place from 10 P.M. to 6 A.M. and travel is extremely limited. Only professionals pre-approved by tribal officials and those performing essential services are allowed to enter and exit the reservation at designated access points. They must travel alone.
Face masks are required for anyone going out in public on the reservation.
The Rocky Boy Health Center, in conjunction with the state health department, the Chippewa Cree Tribe and the Montana National Guard, is offering a free COVID-19 testing event for all residents July 10.
Kaitlyn Nicholas is Yellowstone Public Radio’s Report for America tribal affairs reporter.
