SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. — The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Board of Directors and Gaming Authority each declared a state of emergency at special meetings due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19. The state of emergency is declared throughout all reservation lands across the seven-county service area.

Under the board of director’s resolution, the tribe’s executive director, casino CEO and EDC Director are authorized to modify policies and procedures, order closures, cancel events, implement programs and other steps necessary to protect the public. The tribe’s casino administration, tribal government, health division and law enforcement will coordinate to maximize efforts to resist the spread of COVID-19.

Kewadin Casinos announced March 17 it is temporarily closing all five Kewadin Casinos March 18-22 with an opening scheduled for April 6.

Some Sault Tribe government buildings will be closed to the public. Offices closing to the public will begin on a tiered schedule March 19 through March 23, with plans to re-open April 6. Staff will be working at their job sites or remotely from home, depending on their duties.

Information for tribal members on how to make appointments for specific emergency or membership services will be posted on the tribe’s website saulttribe.com, shared with its official Facebook and at each tribal site throughout the service area.