Tribal leaders urge caution as COVID-19 cases surge

Oct 27, 20200

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Ne-Ia-Shing Clinic employee Jenna Kuduk sets up a centrifuge at Grand Casino Hinckley on Sept. 23 to separate blood cells, which will then be tested later for the COVID-19 antibodies. Paul Middlestaedt for MPR News file

Early in the pandemic, there was a lot of fear that if the coronavirus got a foothold in tribal communities in Minnesota, it could take a devastating toll.

For months, tribes were largely successful in keeping the virus at bay. They launched aggressive campaigns on social media, encouraging people to wear masks, avoid crowds, and keep social distance.

And they had another advantage - geography. Most reservations in Minnesota are far removed from some of the early hot spots in the Twin Cities and elsewhere.

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2020/10/23/tribal-leaders-urge-caution-as-covid19-cases-surge?fbclid=IwAR3Qo3pG4ih4GvHcvn9HOqmBRALEu_TjKA-PprCr02AL0ne7zIFm99tw6fk