Quinault Indian Nation COVID-19 Announcements

Quinault Indian Nation COVID-19 Announcement

March 23, 2023

MASK REQUIREMENT IN QIN MEDICAL FACILITIES TO END STARTING APRIL 3, 2023

Mask wearing is still recommended for healthcare facility staff as well as patients and visitors who are concerned about infection or are among the most vulnerable populations

Vaccination remains the best way to avoid severe illness, hospitalization and winding up on a ventilator

The Quinault Business Committee has approved ending the requirement to wear a mask in QIN medical facilities effective April 3, 2023.

With the lifting of the mask requirement QIN is moving out of Phase 4 guidelines for the first time since April 2022 and will be following the same guidelines as the State of Washington.

In its March 3 announcement lifting the mask requirement for medical and correction facilities, the Washington State Dept. of Health (DOH) said “In Washington, COVID-19, RSV and influenza disease rates and hospitalizations have continued to decline since the end of last year.”

The announcement goes on to say DOH infection prevention and control guidance continues to recommend masks for patients, healthcare providers, and visitors in healthcare settings.

The pandemic is not over – stay vigilant and stay up to date on your vaccinations

The public health emergency is coming to an end in Washington State and the U.S., but the pandemic is far from over according to doctors, epidemiologists and global health leaders.

According to the CDC, as of March 17 there were still nearly 2,000 deaths per week from COVID-19 and nearly 15,000 people were in the hospital for COVID-19 care.

Continued vigilance is critical to the health and safety of the Quinault community as the unique challenges of the reservation’s remote location and limited response resources remain the same. Stay up to date on your vaccinations and if you are concerned about getting infected during a healthcare visit or event of any size, indoors or outdoors, wear a mask.

For more information contact:

Gina James, QIN Councilwoman & ICT Public Information Officer, GJAMES@quinault.org, (360) 276-8211, x4205.

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October 10th 2022 – QIN Financial Assistance

With great regret we are informing the QIN membership that the QIN Financial Assistance program no longer has COVID dollars. The COVID dollars that increased the limit has been expended indefinitely. Therefore, the max limit for approval has been changed back to the pre-pandemic amount. Over the past two years the QIN assistance program has been so appreciative of the opportunity to assist so many QIN families during such a challenging time. Thank you all for your understanding and we look forward to the opportunity to continue to assist you in the future.

Those that need financial assistance will be able to request an application via email at qinassistance@quinault.org or call 360-276-8211 EXT 5036, thank you.

Respectfully,
QIN Assistance

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August 29th – QIN WILL MOVE TO MODIFIED CDC GUIDELINES EFFECTIVE TODAY

Mass testing no longer required as COVID Response Team will continue testing for those who are symptomatic, need urgent care testing, or want to test voluntarily

Quarantine no longer required except for QIN employees who work in Early Learning Baby Room, Senior Program or the QIN Jail

Isolation, including food delivery service and monitoring, will continue for confirmed and suspected cases

 The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on August 11, 2022 announced key changes to its COVID-19 guidelines. In consideration of QIN’s high-risk population and available funds and resources for testing, case investigation and other COVID response measures, the Quinault Business Committee has determined it is in the best interests of the QIN to adopt modified CDC guidelines as follows.

 NEW QUARANTINE GUIDELINES

 Optional Quarantine: offered to anyone who is symptomatic, at high risk, or wants to reduce potential spread, and meets the following requirements:

 You are 5 years or older and completed the primary series of vaccinations over five months ago, but have not received the recommended booster shot

• Received the single dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine more than two months ago and have not received the recommended booster shot
• You are not vaccinated
• Symptomatic after contact, regardless of vaccine status and HAVE NOT been positive in the last 21 days

Required Quarantine: for those who meet the above requirements for optional quarantine AND work within the QIN Early Learning Baby Room, Senior Program or QIN Jail.

 WHAT IS QUARANTINE?

• Quarantine for 5-days (day 0 through day 5) after your last contact with a confirmed positive case.
• Complete a viral (PCR) test after 5-days
• For 10-days after your last contact with a positive, watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath and other COVID symptoms. If you develop symptoms after initial test, get tested again.

 To be CLEARED FROM QUARANTINE:

• After 5-day quarantine, have a negative viral (PCR) test.
• Continue to wear a well-fitting mask when around others in public for 10 days after your last contact with a positive.

ISOLATION GUIDELINES

ISOLATION REQUIRED for all suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases – positive viral or antigen test – regardless of symptoms:

• Children ages six years and older isolate for 5-days.
• Children ages five years and younger identified for official isolation will isolate for 10-days (day 0 is first day of symptoms or date of a positive viral test for asymptomatic positive cases.

To be CLEARED FROM ISOLATION:

• After 5 or 10 days according to ages outlined above AND are no longer symptomatic or show significant improvement of symptoms (at the discretion of QIN monitoring)
• Ages six and up must wear a well-fitting mask at home and in public spaces for an additional 5 days

Following are current QIN Phase 4 guidelines for Quinault citizens:

• INDOOR social and at home gatherings: No restrictions (if applicable, follow all guidelines of gathering facility)

• OUTDOOR social and at home gatherings: No restrictions, follow facility guidelines
• Indoor recreation: no restrictions, follow facility guidelines
• Outdoor recreation: no restrictions
• Resume all travel
• Mask wearing where required in medical and other facilities

Following are current QIN Phase 4 guidelines for QIN employees:

• Public building access: fully open to the public
• 100% in-office capacity
• Social distancing: no restrictions on carpooling
• Health and Safety Protocols: no restrictions
• Gathering for events should follow the Phase 4 guidance as described above for Quinault citizens
• Training and travel are open
• Mask wearing where required in medical and other facilities
• Mask wearing is optional in all other spaces

For more information contact:

Gina James, QIN Councilwoman & ICT Public Information Officer, GJAMES@quinault.org, (360) 276-8211, x4205.