ONEIDA RESERVATION, Wis.–– Wisconsin’s Native American population continues to see high numbers of positive COVID-19 cases during the most recent surge of the pandemic.

Oneida Nation Chairman Tehassi Hill says as of Friday there are 68 active cases of the virus on the reservation. He says that’s roughly three times higher than at any other point of the pandemic.

“It’s a struggle trying to make sure that we’re continually messaging and making sure that we’re in front of our community often reminding them to stay at home, and to mask, and social distance, and wash their hands,” Hill says.

Hill says the problem is people in the 20 to 30 age group on the reservation are not taking the warnings seriously enough. He says they are attending large gatherings at bars and homes then spreading the virus among the rest of the population.

He says the tribal government can only continue to sound the warnings and convey a consistent message on the importance of following safety guidelines.

“Hopefully it’s not falling on deaf ears and it doesn’t take someone to lose a loved one close to them to take this seriously,” Hill says.

The Oneida has suffered two deaths on the reservation. One victim is the father of council member Jennifer Webster.

“I can’t tell you how hard it was to grieve knowing that you can’t console your loved ones with a hug,” Webster said Friday during a virtual COVID-19 briefing.

The Menominee Tribe is also still working to manage the virus. They reported Friday 290 total cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. Tribal leaders there encourage safety as 109 cases - more than a third of all cases - were detected in the past two weeks.

Hill says the Native American Population is especially at risk of death or severe complications to COVID-19 because of underlying health issues.

“Things like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, asthma,” Hill says.

He’s asking everyone to do their part in order to save lives.