Menominee Indian Tribe COVID-19 state of emergency orders remain in effect

KESHENA – In response to the Wisconsin Supreme Court decision to reverse the Wisconsin Safer at Home order, Menominee Tribal Legislature has issued a reminder that the tribe’s adopted guidelines and emergency orders remain in place through May 25, or until modified by the tribe.

On March 12, the Menominee Tribe declared a state of emergency related to the COVID-19. As a sovereign nation, the tribe enacted emergency orders and actions to help protect the safety and health of tribal members, tribal employees and the community, according to a press release from the tribal chairman’s office.

These orders including establishing a curfew, limiting gatherings, restricting camping, remain in place. Menominee tribal government continues to operate with essential services, and continue to remote work and modify programs and services.

The chairman’s office is following recommendations made by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which include restricting congregated groups of five people or more, and keeping people at least six feet apart. The tribe also recommends the use of face coverings when leaving home for essential activities such as trips to the grocery store, visits to the doctor’s office or work as an essential employee.

Tribal parks and campsites remain closed.

The tribe is working on plans to safely reopen. Tribal leaders continue to monitor the developments of the State of Wisconsin and its COVID-19 response actions, and impacts to the Menominee Tribe’s response plans, orders, and plans to reopen.

The chairman’s office reminds the Menominee Indian Reservation community that National Guard will be offering free, no appointment necessary testing for community members experiencing any one of the COVID-19 symptoms. Testing will be done on a drive-up basis at the Menominee Tribe’s Transit Center, W2727 Our Children's Road, Keshena, May 15-19, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.

“Menominee Tribal Legislature would like to applaud our Menominee Indian tribal members and reservation community for adhering to the safer-at-home order, promoting social distancing, supporting one another, sharing information and taking opportunities to create solutions that benefit our safety and wellness. Because it is crucial to slow down the spread of COVID-19, the tribe is asking all tribal members to stay at home unless it is essential,” the release said.