FORT BELKNAP, Mont. (NMB) – The Fort Belknap Indian Community has announced the transition into Phase 2 of their reopening plan.
Phase 2 allows offices and businesses to open at 50 percent of office capacity or patronage. Those who have been functioning at 100 percent may continue to do so.
Social distancing will still be utilized in businesses, and masks will remain required indoors except during activities such as eating or drinking. However, fully vaccinated persons are not required to wear a mask in some indoor settings.
Local Fort Belknap transportation buses will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity, with masks required.
All nonessential activities (ie feeds, rummage sales, and social events) will have to submit a safety plan to Disaster and Emergency Services at least five days in advance to allow for approval or denial, while essential activities (ie construction projects, summer food programs, social services) will continue to be allowed as long as they submit a safety plan.
The Reservation-wide curfew is lifted and the alcohol sales ban remains rescinded.
Advancement to phase 3 could take place in July, provided there is not a large increase in cases and/or around 75 percent of those eligible within the community are immunized.
Should COVID-19 case rates rise, the phase-in process could be adjusted as needed.
As of Monday evening, Fort Belknap had reported a total of 486 COVID-19 cases. 12 are active, none are currently hospitalized, 462 have recovered, and 12 Reservation residents have suffered COVID-related deaths.
