The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases. Just like the state of North Carolina, the Eastern Band rolled back COVID-19 safety measures and moved to Phase 3 of reopening at the beginning of October. That’s despite the local health and Human Services reporting a surge in cases beginning in the middle of September. On October 9, all Cherokee Central schools went back to fully virtual learning and later on in the month the tribal offices reduced their hours and