COVID19 UPDATE FOR FORT HALL RESERVATION JAN 25, 2022

Contact: Magic Smith, C19 Public Information Officer (PIO)

January 25, 2022,

COVID19 UPDATE FOR FORT HALL RESERVATION

Fort Hall: COVID-19 cases continue to rise steadily. Health departments currently have to move employees from their regular positions to help replace the employees who are out sick. Rapid testing supplies are low, so send-out tests will be given when appropriate. Wait times can be longer than expected at HRSA, and we apologize for any inconvenience. Rapid testing supplies are on backorder due to increased demand nationwide. 

25% of all COVID-19 cases since the pandemic started have been in January 2022 alone. 

There will be no Facebook Lives for January. Stay tuned for the new 2022 schedule.

COVID-19 testing will continue through January. The following are the days and locations of testing sites from 12-5:45 pm:

Tuesday 1/25/22 – Eagle Lodge

Wednesday 1/26/22 – Buffalo Lodge

Thursday 1/27/22 – Shoshone-Bannock Hotel/Event Center (East Entrance)

Tests are available for all residents (Tribal and non-tribal) while supplies last. IHS beneficiaries must show CIB or Tribal ID to receive a $20 reimbursement (gas cards) (one per week). For questions, contact the COVID-19 Coordinator (208) 478-3921.

Please be patient with our Tribal health staff. Due to the increase of positive cases, THHS is pulling staff throughout the department to assist with COVID-19 services to address the spike in cases.

The Federal Government also provides free “at-home” test kits: https://special.usps.com/testkits.

The numbers for this week as of January 25, 2022, at 9:00 am, are:

Total Cases To-Date 1996

Total Active Cases 355    

Total Currently Hospitalized 0

Total Recovered to Date 1601

Total Deceased to Date 40

Total Breakthrough cases 387 *Breakthrough cases are when a fully vaccinated person gets infected with the coronavirus.

Total Vaccines that have been given to Date 8,267 / Youth ages 5-11 years 238 / Youth ages 12-17 years 543

The Tribes have given 8,267 vaccines to the Fort Hall community, covering 62% of the reservation population. Of this number, 3,695 are fully vaccinated, 543 have been given to tribal youth, ages 12-17, and 238 have been given to tribal youth, ages 5-11 by Fort Hall IHS.

Booster vaccines continue to be available for everyone. For questions or concerns, please call the COVID-19 Hotline (208) 238-5494.

Vaccination incentives of $50.00 can still be picked up at Not-tsoo Gah-nee. This is a “one-time-only” for those fully vaccinated and who have not yet received the incentive. (must show your vaccine card & Tribal ID/CIB)

Mandatory masks are in effect for the entire Fort Hall Reservation. Wear your mask when entering any business, including getting gas, buying groceries, or playing at the casino.

COVID-19 testing is available at the IHS south tent structure. For COVID-19 exposure or symptoms, call 208-238-5494 to schedule an appointment.

The Not-tsoo Gah-Nee (IHS) Clinic provides J&J, Moderna, and Pfizer vaccinations and boosters (ages 12+) (3rd dose). THHS offers Pediatric Pfizer walk-in clinic/scheduled: Monday-Wednesday, Friday 9–11 am, Thursday 1:30–3:30 pm Contact 208-238-5435 (THHS), 208-238-5427 (IHS Medical).

The Shoshone-Bannock Community Health Center (HRSA) offers walk-in vaccinations seven days a week, currently offering Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson. COVID testing is available based on medical needs. Monoclonal antibody therapy is available by appointment. A referral is needed for individuals from their primary provider to ensure HRSA provides the appropriate service. Please call 208-478-3987 with any questions.

Transportation is available for community members who want to get COVID-19 tested. Call 208-478-4069 (Transit Dispatch)

Visit us online at www.sbtribes.com/covid-19/ to view the COVID19 data dashboard; click here: https://public.tableau.com/…/Shoshone…/C19…