What to do if you are ill in your Native Community! 

• Stay home and away from others.
• Cover your cough and sneezes.
• Wash your hands often ideally with warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces.
• Consider wearing a mask to help reduce the spread of infection.
• Call health care provider.

Those at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19:

While anyone can get sick from viruses like COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2), some people are at greater risk of a severe health outcome, such as hospitalization or even death, after being infected.  This can be due to factors such as age or underlying medical conditions. In Native communities, there are many underlying health conditions including high rates of diabetes, cancers and other chronic illnesses.  Factors such as “Social Determinants of Health,” where we live, work and play, are associated with increased or decreased risk of becoming infected with COVID-19.

By using layers of protection, we not only help protect ourselves but also importantly the  valuable people in our Native communities, such as our elderly, faith keepers, traditionalist, and the children we must protect for 7 generations. If you are someone who may be at higher risk of a severe COVID-19 infection, it is more important than ever to use layers of protection to help stay healthy.  Even if you are fully vaccinated and have a booster, wearing a mask and safe social distancing provides extra layers of protection, especially when you are around a person who may be at greater risk of severe COVID-19.