Public safety laws on the Colville Reservation will be strictly enforced during the current spike in COVID-19 cases, a Dec. 9 press release from the Colville Tribes says.

“The Tribal Health Department is issuing specific orders to infected or exposed people which are intended to control the spread of the disease,” the release reads. “These orders may be for an individual to quarantine or isolate and avoid all contact with others. Any violation of a Tribal Health order is a criminal Class A violation of the Colville Tribal Criminal Code punishable by up to 360 days of jail or a $5,000 fine.”

“All of the general public health restrictions in place since the beginning of the pandemic also continue to be strictly enforced and will remain in place until further notice. These rules include that the Reservation is closed to all non-essential traffic and visitors, residents of the Reservation are ordered to stay at home unless travel is essential, public gatherings or camping in groups of ten or more people is prohibited, all outdoor recreational activities are permitted only for tribal members and their immediate families who are residents of the Reservation, and all non- essential business activity on the Reservation is prohibited. Civil citations can range from a warning to a $1,000 fine, or a $2,000 fine for a second offense within 5 years.”

“The curfew imposed in the Inchelium District between the hours of 9:00 p.m. through 6:00 a.m. due to the extreme spike of cases also remains active. During the curfew, all residents and visitors within Inchelium must remain indoors unless travel is absolutely essential.”

All known or suspected violations of quarantine and isolation orders or of public health orders may be reported to the Colville Tribal Police. Reports may be submitted at the Tribal Police dispatch number, 1-(800)-551-5800, at any time of day or night.”

The Vice Chairman of the Colville Tribes, Joel Boyd, said “We are in the most serious period yet of the pandemic. The health orders are all based on medical advice and intended to protect the lives and health of everyone in our community. The Tribes will not allow anyone to break the law and put others at risk.”