Hoopa Tribe confirms 1 positive case

One of Humboldt County’s 50 confirmed cases of the coronavirus belongs to the Hoopa Valley Tribe, a spokesperson confirmed Thursday.

The one positive case submitted for a test at the K’ima:w Medical Center in Hoopa, where 16 others have submitted samples. Eleven have since tested negative and the other five tests are pending.

“Yes, that positive case in Hoopa is going to be counted in the (county’s) 50, as the K’ima:w Medical Center uses the county’s testing facility,” Hoopa spokesperson Matthew Douglas said.

Overall, the county has 50 confirmed cases and three hospitalizations as of Thursday.

Meanwhile, the Hoopa reservation has implemented a curfew for residents from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m daily, with fines ranging from $500 to $1,500 for those who don’t stay at home.

“We are highly encouraging people to stay home unless people need to do essential travel for things like food, medicine, or other necessary items,” the tribe’s Office of Emergency Services website reads.

The tribe is also offering delivery services from the Hoopa Grocery Store and will deliver food boxes to tribal elders living in the community.

Douglas declined to answer further questions about the one confirmed case and the tribe’s standing COVID-19 policies, saying he instead will publish a press release on Friday.

“Please understand that the patient who has tested positive has a right to remain anonymous and their privacy is respected,” the tribe states in a note at the top of its site. “We wish them all the best and pray for a quick and healthy recovery.”