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Tribal business council approves face masks mandate

NEW TOWN – The business council of the Three Affiliated Tribes on the Fort Berthold Reservation has approved a resolution officially ordering everyone to wear a mask to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Those who do not follow the order can face fines.

The resolution was signed by Mark Fox, tribal chairman, and Fred Fox, tribal business council secretary, at a special meeting held Oct. 22. The resolution was approved by all five of seven members attending the meeting.

According to the resolution, “The Three Affiliated Tribes is under a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the failure to wear a mask during the time that the state of emergency exists is conduct that directly threatens or has a direct effect on the health and welfare of the people of the Three Affiliated Tribes.”

The mandate requires everyone 2 years of age and older present “within or entering the exterior boundaries of the Three Affiliated Tribes must wear a mask at all times whil in or preparing to enter public indoor places.” Public places include all indoor businesses, public indoor spaces, and while waiting outside to enter a public indoor space or business.

Violations of the mandate include: first offense – a warning citation; second offense – a citation and fine of $50; and third and subsequent offenses – a citation and fine of $100.

The resolution also states all businesses operating on the Fort Berthold Reservation shall enforce the mask mandate and require their patrons to wear a mask. Failure by a business to enforce the use of a mask within their entity will be subject to the following citations and fines: first offense – a citation and fine of $100; second offense – a citation and fine of $200; third and subsequent offenses – civil fine of $500 per day for each day a business fails to enforce the use of a mask and potential suspension of business or licensing permit and closure of business pursuant to Tribal Business Law and Ordinances. All entities or businesses operating on the Fort Berthold Reservation also must comply and cooperate with applicable Tribal Regulatory and Compliance Departments.

Mask mandate

BELCOURT – The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians also have a mask mandate amended recently due to the rise in actual positive cases of COVID-19.

The order includes employees and businesses are mandated to require employees to wear masks while working with the public or working in any shared spaces.

Employers and businesses also must reduce lawful fire capacity by 50% and institute social distancing measures to protect patrons.

Sky Dancer Casino gaming floor is closed until Nov. 11, according to the Belcourt facility’s Facebook page. The hotel will still be open, and Grillerz & Sky Brew will be curbside pick up only. The closure order may be extended if circumstances require.

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