Curfew imposed on Inchelium due to COVID outbreak

The Colville Tribes has imposed a curfew in Inchelium due to a COVID outbreak there with dozens diagnosed.

The curfew is active each day between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., according to a Dec. 7 press release from the tribes. 

During that time, all residents or visitors to the Colville Reservation in the area must remain indoors. Travel is allowed only if essential, such as to or from a verifiable place of employment or to seek urgent medical attention.

Those who violate the curfew may be cited or prosecuted pursuant to the Colville Tribal Code.

Tribal Chairman Rodney Cawston said that “the Inchelium District is currently experiencing a severe outbreak of COVID-19 infections. The Reservation currently has 60 active cases of people suffering from diagnosed COVID-19. Of those active cases, 47 of them are in Inchelium. There are an additional 42 people in preventative quarantine across the Reservation, and 36 of those quarantine cases are in Inchelium. It is absolutely necessary to take additional measures at this time to preserve the peace, health, safety, and welfare of the Reservation and all surrounding communities.”

An earlier proclamation that closed the reservation continues to remain in full effect, Chairman Cawston continued. “This curfew is intended to minimize in-person interactions, which is the primary way the virus spreads. All persons should practice all of the other safety measures the Tribes have implemented since the start of this pandemic, which include social distancing, mask wearing when you are outdoors or in the presence of others, and hand washing. We all must sacrifice in this time of pandemic to protect ourselves and others.”