Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill signs an executive order declaring a state of emergency in connection with COVID-19. Photo: Muscogee (Creek) Nation Public Relations
News Release: Muscogee (Creek) Nation Declares COVID-19 State of Emergency – March 13, 2020
https://www.mcn-nsn.gov/executive-order-20-01-declaring-a-state-of-emergency/
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma — Effective today, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Principal Chief David Hill has declared a state of emergency for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation to minimize the potential spread of the Coronavirus Disease, also known as COVID-19.
“We are treating this as a serious situation,” said David Hill, Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. “For several weeks, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Department of Health has worked diligently to develop and implement emergency rules and procedures to protect our citizens and communities. Because of the public health threat posed by COVID-19, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation is issuing a state-of-emergency. Through this declaration, we are taking necessary steps toward protecting our citizens.”
The executive order mandates the following:
- Discontinuation of chartered community and large group gatherings
- Suspension of Elderly Nutrition communal meals
- Cancellation of employee work travel until further notice
- Authorization for departments to make necessary purchases related to cleaning and sanitization
The executive order does not:
- Require any tribal offices or departments to close. Each department has discretion to cancel hosted public events
- Discontinue any government services provided directly to citizens
The Oklahoma State Department of Health has advised that individuals who suspect they may have COVID-19 should not go to the emergency room. Those experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever, or other respiratory problems should contact their primary care physician first.
The MCN Department of Health has established a COVID-19 information line to address questions and concerns. Citizens can call (918) 758-3550 Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Chief Hill’s address can be found here.
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The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is the fourth-largest federally recognized tribe in the United States, headquartered in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. MCN has more than 87,000 citizens, 75 percent of which live in Oklahoma.