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Menominee Tribe closes tribal offices, imposes curfew

Posted at 1:39 PM, Jul 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-28 14:39:36-04

MENOMINEE INDIAN RESERVATION — (NBC 26) -- The Menominee Indian Tribe announced a closure of tribal offices and a new curfew to address the rise in COVID-19 cases in the community.

The Menominee Indian Tribe says the closure doesn't apply to critical essential departments and services, the Menominee Casino, or other Tribal chartered enterprises.

The Menominee Tribe is citing an "alarming rise" in positive COVID-19 cases as reason for the closure and curfew. Positive cases have nearly doubled within a week’s time on the reservation, the tribe says. Menominee Indian Reservation, which shares boundaries with Menominee County, has 17 positive cases with 8 being active cases as of Monday.

To slow the spread, the Menominee Tribal Government department and services staff will work remotely during the next 2 weeks, available by phone or email. The tribe says several tribal government buildings will be closed. There will be exceptions for critically essential employees, caregivers, contractors, vendors, food delivery services, and shipping and delivery.

The following departments and services will be available, with employees reporting to work: Menominee Tribal Police Department, Menominee Tribal Detention Center, Menominee Tribal Aging Division and CBRF, Menominee Tribal Clinic, Menominee Tribal Conservation, Menominee Tribal Food Distribution, Menominee Tribal Utilities, Menominee Tribal Transit, supporting on Demand Service, Menominee Tribal Gaming Commission, Menominee Tribal Maintenance & Housekeeping, and Eagle’s Nest Shelter. Services for food delivery will continue.

Additionally, a curfew will go into effect starting Wednesday and expiring on August 31. The curfew hours are between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am.

People are asked to stay home, only leave for essential tasks, and avoid gatherings, such as birthday parties and graduation parties.