The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma Chief Greg P. Chilcoat issued an Executive Order declaring a state of emergency for the Seminole Nation effective March 20, 2020. The intent of the order is to coordinate response and protective actions to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

“These emergency declarations are necessary to quickly manage response to the infectious disease threat. It is necessary to declare an emergency to protect our people,” Chilcoat stated.

Exhibit A of the emergency declaration mandates the following:

Cooperation of all Seminole Nation entities in implementation of the declaration; Prohibition of Large Group Gatherings; School Closures of the Head Start/ Early Head Start and Child Development Center; Cease Tribal Employee Travel.

The order does not require any departments, programs or offices to close. Departments and programs have issued individual plans of action located on the tribe’s social media sites and place of work entrance.

The three gaming facilities of the Seminole Nation, River Mist Casino, I-40 Travel Plaza Casino and Wewoka Casino will close at midnight, Sunday, March 22. All March promotions have been canceled at this time. Plans for a tentative re-opening of facilities is scheduled for April 6, at 10 a.m.

The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic on March 11, 2020, and the President of the United States declared a national emergency on March 13, 2020.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health COVID-19 call center is (877) 215-8336.

For updates and information see the social media sites for, “The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma,” or by contacting the tribal communications office at (405) 382-1010 or the main tribal switchboard at (405) 257-7200.