Chairman Taylor Issues Statement on New CDC Covid Guidelines

By Louis Taylor

LCO Chairman

As many of you are aware, On Wednesday, the CDC updated its guidelines so that individuals who are fully vaccinated (2 weeks after your second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or 2 weeks after the Johnson& Johnson vaccine) can resume activities done prior to the pandemic.

According to the CDC, that means you can travel within the country without getting tested before or after and without self-quarantine after travel. The CDC states that if you are fully vaccinated you do not have to wear a mask indoors or outdoors unless you are traveling on an airplane, bus, train or other forms of public transportation. The CDC cautions that if you have a pre-existing condition or weakened immune system you should consult with your healthcare provider and you may need to continue taking all precautions.

In August of 2020, the Tribal Governing Board adopted a "Shelter at Home" Resolution that expired the beginning of October 2020. However, on August 17, 2020 the Tribal Governing Board adopted a "COVID-19 Screening, Travel, Symptom and Confirmed Diagnosis Policy." That policy is still in effect and requires all tribal employees to wear masks at all times, practice social distancing, avoid any non-essential travel, etc.

The Tribal Governing Board is currently in discussions about how the current COVID-19 Policy of August 17, 2020 can be amended in light of the recent update to the CDC Guidelines.

Please be patient while we work on this important issue. If you have not been vaccinated and are eligible to receive the vaccine (no pre-existing condition or weakened immune system), we highly encourage you to contact the Lac Courte Oreilles Community Health Center and make an appointment to receive the vaccine at no cost to you. Above all, we want our community members and tribal employees to be safe and healthy.

Thank you and be well!