GREAT FALLS — The Blackfeet Reservation on Monday announced that it is experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 cases, and has implemented the following measures:
- A mandatory mask mandate for the Blackfeet Reservation effective immediately. All businesses and individuals shall be notified.
- All Blackfeet Tribal Offices shall be closed to the public until further notice.
- All non-essential travel is suspended until further notice, especially to known hot spots.
The Blackfeet Incident Command Team says that the order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.
As of Monday, there are 18 active cases and more than 100 close contacts.
The Blackfeet Tribe has been a leader in vaccination efforts; by March 29, 2021, the tribe reported that 75% of the reservation had been fully vaccinated, and 95% had received at least one dose.
COVID has disproportionally impacted Montana tribes. Native Americans make up about 6.7% of Montana's population; as of July 30, 16% percent of COVID deaths occurred among Native Americans.