By: Lani Hansen, Senior Reporter
OKMULGEE, Oklahoma– Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Second Chief Del Beaver tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in November, a month later he is doing well.
In an interview with Mvskoke Radio, Beaver talked about his whole experience having this virus. It started when he was in quarantine with his family after his daughter tested positive.
“I believe I caught it from my daughter, because she caught it from school,” Beaver said. “Whenever she came down with it, we got her tested on a Saturday and it came back positive. We immediately went into quarantine.”
A few days later while in quarantine, Beaver came down with some symptoms but they were minor such as a runny nose and chills. Beaver said when he got the chills that is when he was alarmed, and then he went to get tested. When he learned that he tested positive, Beaver was given medication related to his symptoms.
“I had the chills, runny nose and then I had a headache that developed later,” Beaver said. “Those were similar symptoms of what my daughter had. So luckily I was already in quarantine, but when I tested positive my daughter and I both were in isolation at home.”
While him and his daughter were in isolation, a few days later Beaver’s wife had tested positive also. All three of them had similar symptoms.
“I’m just thankful as soon as we found out my daughter was positive, that I didn’t come to work or expose anybody,” Beaver said. “I felt bad for about 24 hours, and after that I could have come back to work but I didn’t.”
When Beaver found out he had tested positive for COVID-19, he was disappointed. Just like everyone else, he had taken precautions for the last ten months since the number of cases spiked.
Beaver said wearing a mask is more to protect someone else from getting exposed and it depends on the type of mask.
“Wear a mask, wash your hands and practice social distancing,” Beaver stated.
Wearing a mask is about being considerate to others, Beaver had added. This virus is a real situation, and people need to take precautions according to Beaver.
Beaver had said after his 10 to 12 days of isolation, he stayed in quarantine afterwards just for precautions. CDC has stated people may still have symptoms a few days after isolation.
Beaver said since MCN does not have the vaccinations yet, he encourages everyone to continue to practice the guidelines. The tribe released a memo in November for their employees to work from home if possible to protect them.
Beaver added, “You can never be too careful. If you feel like you are getting symptoms, go get tested. It is much better to know then not to know.”
