April 2, 2020
In response to the COVID-19 in Washington State please be advised of the following measures by the Tribe.
The Makah Tribal Council, after careful consideration, has determined the need to implement appropriate measures to protect the health, safety and welfare of the Makah people and the Neah Bay community. The rapid changes with regard to COVID-19 are a public health concern and the Makah Tribe is carefully monitoring this outbreak and coordinating with Tribal, County and State emergency management agencies as the situation develops.
The Makah Tribal Council, after careful consideration, has determined the need to implement appropriate measures to protect the health, safety and welfare of the Makah people and the Neah Bay community. The rapid changes with regard to COVID-19 are a public health concern and the Makah Tribe is carefully monitoring this outbreak and coordinating with Tribal, County and State emergency management agencies as the situation develops.
With gratitude the Makah Tribal Council would like to thank those who have provided essential grocery and food services to the community. While providing grocery and food services during this time there are recommendations that protect both the employees and the customers.
At this time the following guidance is recommended:
- Physical distancing is needed throughout the place of business, reminding customers while waiting in line is important.
- Painter’s tape is a good way to mark social distancing on the floor.
- Conveyor belts should be wiped down every two hours, as well as other commonly touched items such as: pin pads, or other devices used to collect payment, counters, etc.
- Employees should be given a handwashing break, unless they have hand sanitizer readily available and are able to use it frequently. In addition, food service workers will continue to hand wash as needed.
- Creating a clear barrier, such as a “sneeze guard” between the customer and the employee. Materials such as plexiglass can be used and installed directly to the counter.
- If you are not able to create a barrier, remind staff to keep transactions short.
- Wear a face mask at ALL times, even while engaging in short interactions. Face masks can be homemade versions, or as simple as a folded bandana. A properly fitting mask must cover the mouth, bridge of the nose, extend to cover the chin, and have little to no open space. We recommend having a couple if you need to change it during the day.
- Follow safe mask removal protocols. With clean hands, remove your mask while avoiding the portion that covers your nose and mouth. Immediately wash homemade versions. If you have access to disposable masks please check the CDC’s article titled Strategies to Optimize the Supply of PPE and Equipment at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/index.html.
- Additional resources in regards to food safety during the COVID-19 outbreak can be found at https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/NovelCoronavirusOutbreak2020COVID19/FoodWorkers