In a press release on March 27, 2020, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians confirmed the first COVID-19 case within the tribe.
“The individual is a part-time resident Qualla Boundary resident,” the press release stated, using the term Eastern Cherokees use for their territory in North Carolina. The person is in isolation on the reservation, the tribe said.
“I ask that everyone continue to remain calm, but we must also continue to be vigilant in practicing social distancing, staying home and maintaining good hygiene while in public,” Principal Chief Richard Sneed said on social media.
Sneed also shared news of the first case in a video posted on March 27.
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