MESCALERO, NM

May 26, 2020. This morning, the Mescalero Apache Tribe announced the first death of a Reservation resident, an elderly woman, from the coronavirus (COVID-19). Tribal President Gabe Aguilar stated: “The individual that passed was the second resident to test positive. She was tested just hours after our first case was confirmed. It has been only a few days since the virus came to the Reservation. This virus moves quickly and targets our elders.” 

The Tribe is entering its second day of a fourteen-day lockdown. Tribal offices and businesses on the Reservation are closed. Tribal residents will be cited if they do not comply with the lockdown. “The Tribe is being strict for a reason,” President Aguilar commented. “The Tribe has worked hard over the last two months to avoid this. I am heartbroken. The family is heartbroken. But we must keep going. We must come together to stop the virus.”

The Tribe will provide updates on its official website (www.mescaleroapachetribe.com) and Facebook page.

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During lockdown: you should leave your home to get tested only if you are symptomatic or if you are called by Mescalero IHS to get tested. Otherwise, please stay home!

**Symptoms to look out for include: fever, dry cough, and difficulty breathing.

If you are suffering from these symptoms and you want to be tested, then call Mescalero IHS so they can prepare for your arrival. If you are not sure if you have symptoms, then call IHS for more information.

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Today, with the help of the Indian Health Service (IHS), New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH), and New Mexico National Guard (National Guard), the Mescalero Apache Tribe was able to conduct mass testing for coronavirus (COVID-19) on the Reservation. Over 600 individuals were tested today alone. Since the first positive case on the Reservation on May 21^st, over 800 total tests have been conducted.

Thank you to the community members who stepped up and volunteered to test! Thank you IHS, NMDOH, and the National Guard for your help. Thank you to Tribal Leadership, Tribal Conservation and Center Maintenance staff for your help as well! With everyone’s help, we were able to mobilize for this event in less than 24 hours. The Tribe is grateful for all of your efforts – great work!  

As of today there are 4 positive cases of coronavirus in Mescalero. Keep an eye out for more updates on the number of tests and positive results on the Tribe’s official website and Facebook page.

Please note: due to the overwhelming number of tests, results may be delayed for some individuals for several days.

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TRIBAL MEMBERS & AFFILIATES

DRIVE THRU COVID-19 TESTING MAY 23, 2020

@ MESCALERO COMMUNITY CENTER
8AM – 12 NOON

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Video update on Mescalero Apache Tribe official Facebook page and more details coming soon.

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MESCALERO, NM

May 22, 2020. Last night, another Mescalero Apache Reservation resident tested positive for COVID-19. The resident is elderly and is hospitalized. This second positive case arose just hours after the Tribe’s first case.

“At this time, we need to come together as a community. Stay home. Wear a facemask. If you are contacted for testing, then please comply. If you may have been exposed, please contact Indian Health Service or the Tribe immediately,” Tribal President Gabe Aguilar stated. He added, “Our first case was discovered because the person came in on their own – they did the right thing. You need to as well. Think about your community.

President Aguilar indicated that the Tribe will be issuing citations for violations of the Tribe’s coronavirus restrictions. President Aguilar commented, “We will be pushing for maximum penalties. We are taking this very seriously.”

The Tribe will provide updates on its official website (www.mescaleroapachetribe.com) and Facebook page.

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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.

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