Mask mandate in effect for public places on Fort Hall Reservation
FHBC Chairman Devon Boyer speaks during the December 4 Facebook Live session.
(Screenshot courtesy of Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Facebook page)
By LORI ANN EDMO
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The Fort Hall Business Council approved a resolution December 4 requiring the use of face masks by all persons within the exterior boundaries of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation.
The resolution reads face masks are required in all places and in businesses including restaurants and bars except when eating or drinking however, public places doesn’t include private vehicles, residences, individual business offices or hotel rooms.
The resolution reads to comply with the order, a face mask must fit snugly around the nose and mouth to prevent the wearer from breathing unfiltered air and may be a commercially-produced face mask or homemade face mask constructed in accordance with the CDC (Center for Disease Control).
Persons under the age of two years old and persons having trouble breathing who cannot remove a mask without assistance are not required to wear masks.
The FHBC believes increased penalties are needed to deter reckless conduct which will further increase the spread of the pandemic.
FHBC Chairman Devon Boyer said in a December 3 Facebook Live presentation they needed to ensure everybody involved has the best understanding of what needs to happen. The council first declared an emergency ordinance and to enact it they had to approve the resolution.
If anyone is cited by the Fort Hall Police for not wearing a mask, the penalties include: First instance $100 fine. Boyer said it’s serious and people must wear a mask in all public places. The second instance if someone is cited is $300 and the third time is $500 and if one is caught again it is $500.
Boyer said the virus is showing no mercy and “We have to keep trying, we can give up,” and encouraged everyone to be a positive participant.
He noted the FHBC is adopting further measures and will announce it at the next Facebook Live presentation.
Eric King, Tribal Emergency Operations Coordinator, said during the Facebook Live the positive COVID-19 numbers have increased significantly. At the beginning of November, 14 percent of the tests positive but at the beginning of December 40 percent of the tests were positive that’s a huge jump. They are hoping the mass screening is a way to slow the transmission.
The resolution further reads that any individual who fails to comply with the order may be required to comply by any tribal or business employee or representative. Individuals who fail to comply may be removed from a business or public place, could be found in trespass and subject to any remedies available in the Tribal Law and Order Code.
The order is effective immediately and expires when the emergency order is terminated for COVID-19.
