July 16, 2020, Building Blocks III in Little Axe, has closed temporarily due to an employee COVID-19 exposure. During this time the building will be professionally cleaned and sanitized. The Emergency Management team is working closely with the Building Blocks staff and they will continue to keep a close eye on the situation.
Today a regular Executive Committee meeting was conducted with the newly elected members. Please welcome Treasurer Joseph Blanchard, Representative Alicia Miller and Lt. Governor Kenneth Blanchard (re-elected).
Due to safety precautions the AST Enrollment Department will be closed until July 23rd. Tribal members can contact Enrollment by email at AWebb@astribe.com or ASTwelfarefund@astribe.com.
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe and Thunderbird Entertainment want to inform our tribal members, employees and guests that on July 9, the Thunderbird Casino in Norman received confirmation that two employees tested positive for COVID-19. The employees were on site the evening of July 8; both were properly wearing mandated personal protective equipment (PPE). The employees are recovering and are currently quarantined at home.
On Thursday, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe was notified an employee was PROBABLE for COVID-19. We have not received confirmation at this time; however, out of an abundance of caution we have decided to close the Shawnee complex Thursday (July 9th) and Friday (July 10th). Our cleaning crews will start a terminal cleaning process tomorrow. All areas this individual may have visited will be deep cleaned to help prevent the spread of infection. We will keep you updated on this situation.
Over the last several days we have watched the COVID-19 numbers grow. Tuesday’s positive cases increased by 858; Wednesday’s positive cases increased by 673. In an attempt to protect citizens, communities across Oklahoma and some counties within AST boundaries have started to issue the mandatory wearing of masks – including the City of Norman. Please continue to follow CDC guidelines. We have attached a graphic as a reminder of some precautions you can take to protect you and your family.
Tribal members, COVID-19 case numbers are on the rise. As we are heading into a holiday weekend, I would like to remind you to continue to take precautions and follow CDC guidelines. Please continue to wear a mask when you can. Also, take a look at this article published by the CDC on how to help slow the spread of the virus.
The Absentee Shawnee Tribe has been monitoring the COVID-19 situation. For the safety of our members and employees, we have decided to remain in Phase II until further notice. Restrictions remaining in place are as follows:
Continued mandatory temperature/symptom checkpoint upon entry into the complex
Shawnee Complex will be open to tribal members by appointment only.