MESCALERO, NM.
May 21, 2020. Earlier today, the Mescalero Apache Tribe was informed that a Reservation resident tested positive for COVID-19. The resident is not exhibiting symptoms and tested voluntarily. The resident will be quarantined and monitored closely.
President Gabe Aguilar asked Tribal members to stay calm: “We are doing everything we can to make sure that the individual that tested positive receives appropriate treatment and that the individual is isolated. There is no immediate threat to your safety. Please continue to follow the Tribe’s Executive Orders and health expert recommendations for social distancing, face masks, and hand washing.”
While most of Indian Country had been hit hard by the coronavirus, the Mescalero Apache Tribe was one of the only tribes in the country to have zero positive cases until today. The Tribe’s COVID-19 Response Unit has been meeting since mid-March to develop isolation plans and make other preparations. President Aguilar stated, “We were blessed to have gone so long with zero cases. I am proud of my community for stepping up. Because of your efforts to stay safe, we were able to prepare for this day.”
The Tribe will provide updates on its official website (www.mescaleroapachetribe.com) and Facebook page.