Pueblo of Zuni (New Mexico)

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Posted: May 24, 2020

The Pueblo of Zuni continues to report a growing number of coronavirus cases within its region of New Mexico.

According to most recently posted update on May 19, 2020, 150 people have tested positive for COVID-19 cases, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Of those, 90 are Zuni citizens, the tribe said at the time. The number has since risen to 98, KOB-TV reported on May 23.

“The Pueblo of Zuni Emergency Management is stressing to the community to adhere to the shelter-in-place, use of face mask, limit travel and social distancing; understand that it takes one person to infect everyone around them,” the tribe said in the May 19 update.

Additionally, the tribe on May 19 confirmed another COVID-19 death. Four Zuni citizens have died of the coronavirus.

“Our hearts go out to the family and everyone who is impacted by the tragic loss of a tribal member,” Governor Val Panteah said.

In a more recent post on social media, Panteah said individuals are not isolating themselves even after they have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to the disease.

“People that have tested positive or have been exposed to the virus are continuing to visit other people or allow people to come into their residences,” Panteah wrote on May 24. “Please people, if your positive for the virus, self quarantine means to stay home!”

The tribe reports results from coronavirus tests conducted through the local Indian Health Service unit. The IHS serves both Zuni and the nearby Ramah Chapter of the Navajo Nation, which is about 22 miles away.

Both tribal communities are near Gallup, the largest city in western New Mexico. Residents travel there often for shopping, educational and other activities.

Gallup is a major coronavirus hotspot. According to the Navajo Nation Department of Health, 805 tribal citizens in the region have tested positive for COVID-19. The region includes the city, as well as Ramah.

Zuni is a large community of nearly 7,600, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Ramah has about 3,000 residents, according to the chapter.

The number of cases on Zuni Pueblo is growing. Ninety-eight people have tested positive. That means 1 in 100 people in the tribe have the virus. https://t.co/rO0aYuDMto

— KOB 4 (@KOB4) May 23, 2020