Community Notice: Letter from Chairman Smith & COVID-19 Updates

Community Notice: Letter from Chairman Smith & COVID-19 Updates

Letter

April 22, 2020

Dear Pala Tribal Members,

The County of San Diego has reported today, April 22, 2020, that there is one confirmed positive case of COVID-19 (coronavirus) in the area covered by Pala’s zip code, 92059. By law, the County is not able to provide any identifying information about who this individual is, where they live, or their current health status (i.e. hospitalized, quarantined at home, etc.). San Diego County provides an online dashboard of confirmed positive cases that includes a map. The dots on that map are not associated with any specific address; rather, they are placed in the geographic center of the area the zip code covers. Therefore, the dot on the map for Pala is not indicating where the confirmed positive individual lives. Again, we have no information about the identity, location, or status of this individual or where or how they may have been infected. I encourage you not to spread rumors or misinformation about this case or make any attempt to discover who the confirmed positive individual may be. This is private information that none of us has, and spreading rumors only serves to stir up fear and panic.

I want to reassure you that the Executive Committee and the Pala administration are taking all necessary steps to protect our community. We are maintaining daily updated information on the Pala website at www.palatribe.com. We are communicating and cooperating with the Rincon Indian Health Clinic, the National Indian Health Board, the BIA, FEMA, the CDC, and the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES). We have instituted social distancing and hygiene procedures at the Pala Administration Building and all other tribal facilities. We are coordinating with federal officials on obtaining financial and material assistance to help us weather this crisis. We are working every day to stay up to date and apply the best available data and information to help us make decisions.

Please continue to do your part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home, practicing social distancing, washing your hands, sanitizing your home, wearing a cloth face covering when in public, and only going out for necessary errands such as getting groceries, going to the doctor, filling prescriptions, or going to an essential job. You can find more information on active public health orders, case numbers, and how to stay safe by visiting Pala’s COVID-19 web page at www.palatribe.com.

The Executive Committee will continue to keep our community up to date on the latest developments. We will get through this difficult time together.

Sincerely,

Robert Smith, Chairman
Pala Band of Mission Indians

Pala Band of Mission Indians
For more information contact the Pala Band of Mission Indians:
760-891-3500 | www.palatribe.com