tive cases requires face masking ….

tive cases requires face masking in any indoor space, open to the public, is mandatory for people ages five years and older. For children 2-4 years of age, face coverings are strongly encouraged. A drape may be used for babies.

County sheriffs and other law enforcement across the state have said that the mask mandate is not enforceable and violations should not be called into 911.

Area Schools

Local health officials approved the Wolf Point School District to reopen four days a week (Plan A) starting Monday, Nov. 2. See ad on page four for more information.

The Frontier Elementary School returned to classes for grades K-2 on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Grades 3-4 will return to classes on Wednesday, Oct. 28. Grades 5-8 will continue distance learning.

The Frazer School returned to in-class instruction Oct. 5. An Oct. 5 letter from school administration states that the opt-out deadline has passed and all students are required to attend in person. Opt-out students were required to return Oct. 19.

Brockton School had students return to classes on Monday, Oct. 19.

Fort Peck Tribes

The Fort Peck Tribes moved to Phase 1 Tuesday, Sept. 29. Phase 1 puts non-essential employees and residents on the reservation under stay at home orders and limits gatherings to 10 people or fewer. All households are being asked to maintain 6 feet distance, wear masks and sanitize.

According to tribal executive board member Jestin Dupree, the Wolf Point senior feeding site will be closed through Friday, Oct. 30. There will be no curbside or home delivery. Organizers hope to return to regular services by Nov. 2.

COVID-19 & Mental Health

The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing response have brought many changes to our lives. Across the world, reports are coming in on how this pandemic affects mental health. These effects include increased stress, fear, anxiety and worry. The World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the State of Montana, among many others, have begun providing guidance and materials on how to cope with the mental health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. From healthcare workers to caregivers to children to individuals in isolation, COVID-19 is affecting everyone, including residents of Roosevelt County. Unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as increased tobacco or alcohol use, can put yourself and those around you at increased risk. Below are some helpful ways to cope with increased stress:

•Know what to do if you are sick or need treatment

•Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to the news

•Learn the facts about COVID-19 and help stop the spread of rumors

•Partake in your favorite (socially-distanced) physical activity

•Take time to unwind, do activities you enjoy or try something new like meditation •Connect with others in a socially-distant, safe way. Try some virtual connections!

•Get plenty of sleep

•Eat healthy meals

•Try Thrive, a the free emotional health program for adults in Montana: https:// thriveformontana.com/ If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis, seek immediate help: Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255, the Crisis Text Line can be reached by texting “MT” to 741-741, Eastern Montana Mental Health Center Toll Free Crisis Phone Line: 800-597-6608, or call 911.If you or a loved one are experiencing a substance use issue, reach out to the following for help: SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 800-662-HELP (4357) and TTY 800-487-4889, Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center 653-1872.

For more information, visit the RCHD Facebook page or covid19.mt.gov or the CDC’s Coping with Stress page, https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/ daily-life-coping /managing- stress-anxiety.html.

Testing

COVID-19 testing continues to be available from your healthcare provider, as well as at both IHS locations.

Roosevelt County Unified Command Residents on quarantine needing assistance with supplies can call 525-5020 and leave a message detailing assistance requested. Also, people can report others who are not quarantining by calling that number.

If you have questions about COVID-19, use the newly established Joint Information email: covid19taskforce@rooseveltcounty. org.