In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Muckleshoot Tribal Council on Monday declared a state of emergency within its nation and will close the tribe’s casino and bingo operations for two weeks effective 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 17.

“The health and safety of our guests, employees, tribal members and greater community is our primary concern,” said Jaison Elkins, Muckleshoot Tribal Council chair, in a statement released Monday. “Muckleshoot is a strong community, and we will meet this challenge with the strength, commitment and resiliency that our people have shown over the years.”

Gov. Jay Inslee announced Monday an emergency proclamation that mandates the immediate two-week closure of all restaurants, bars and entertainment and recreational facilities, as well as additional limits on large gatherings. The new orders go into effect at midnight Tuesday and will be in place through March 31.

The announcement comes after the recent spike in numbers of COVID-19 cases in the state and throughout the country.

“If we are living a normal life, we are not doing our jobs as Washingtonians,” Inslee said. “We cannot do that anymore. We need to make changes, regardless of size. All of us need to do more. We must limit the number of people we come in contact with. This is the new normal.”

The Muckleshoots join the Suquamish, Puyallup, Tulalip, and Lummi tribes who announced Monday they are shutting down their casino operations for two weeks.