In this special edition of CNTV News, Brad Clonch and Quin Tran report on the unfolding coronavirus pandemic. The coronavirus, or COVID-19, has affected how we live and work. Health officials are urging social distancing of six feet apart or more to prevent the spread of the virus, advising against gatherings of 10 or more. Few people have been dining out, opting instead to stay close to home. Dr. John Krueger, Undersecretary of Medical Staff and Quality for the Chickasaw Nation Department of Health, recently spent time at KCNP Radio and CNTV to share important information about the coronavirus pandemic. "This virus is brand new to humans on the planet," he explains. "Humans have never seen it and never had a chance develop immunity to it like we have to other viruses." It's a virus that is highly contagious with no current vaccine and no cure. That's why drastic measures have been taken such as social distancing, self-isolation and the closure of businesses and schools. According to Dr. Krueger, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are low grade fever, cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Signs and symptoms may appear two to fourteen days after exposure to the virus.

As of March 27, 2020, the following programs and services have been modified. Chickasaw.net is providing updates as they become available, so check frequently for information that affects your individual needs.

The Chickasaw Nation continues to serve its citizens with meal programs. Elders may get lunches via the drive-thru lunch program Monday through Friday at all 12 Chickasaw Nation senior citizen sites. The tribe is also continuing home-bound meal delivery routes for elders. To learn more, contact the Chickasaw Nation Senior Meals program at (580) 795-9790. The Chickasaw Nation is also serving meals to area children who are affected by school closures. The tribe's Meals for Kids program is a year-round initiative for all youth, ages one through eighteen at no charge. The program will continue operating during the pandemic. Children may receive meals from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. To learn more, please contact the Meals for Kids program at (580) 310-5764.

All Chickasaw Nation's pharmacy lobbies are closed at this time, but patients may pick up their medication through the drive-thru lanes or receive any non-controlled medication by mail. To learn more about pharmacy services or contact one of the four Chickasaw Nation pharmacies, please visit https://www.chickasaw.net/Services/Health-Wellness/Pharmacy.aspx.

Medical providers are encouraging the public to use telehealth if possible during the coronavirus pandemic. The Chickasaw Nation Department of Health virtual visits are available to patients from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm seven days a week. Healthcare professionals perform evaluations through the virtual visit based on your symptoms, medical history and other factors. If you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seek care immediately. To learn more about virtual visits offered by the Chickasaw Nation, please call 1-866-610-7776.

These are steps to protect yourself from the coronavirus: wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, cover coughs and sneezes, clean and disinfect surfaces often, avoid large gatherings and close contact with those who are sick, and stay home if you are ill. If you have questions about the coronavirus, please call the Chickasaw Nation Department of Health COVID-19 call center at (580) 272-1312.

For the most up-to-date information about facility closures and event cancellations around the Chickasaw Nation, or to learn about programs and services available to Chickasaw citizens please visit www.chickasaw.net.