Ramah Navajo Chapter (New Mexico)

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Posted: April 3, 2020

https://www.facebook.com/ramahchapterhouse/photos/a.1296967747065238/1896831720412168/?type=3&theater

On April 3, 2020, the Ramah Chapter of the Navajo Nation confirmed 6 COVID-19 positive cases within the community, a dramatic increase from the single case reported last week.

“We have 6 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in the Ramah Navajo Community,” a post on social media reads. “Our health professionals are working on isolating and sheltering each individual. Other people that have been in contact with COVID 19 are under precautionary isolation at this time.”

The Ramah Chapter is located in Cibola County and McKinley County in New Mexico. It’s not contiguous to the reservation but is still a part of the Navajo Nation.

And like the Chilchinbeto Chapter on the main reservation, where the coronavirus took an early hold on the tribe, Ramah is a small and close knit community. About 1,400 people live throughout the community.

But Ramah is close to Gallup, New Mexico, where COVID-19 cases are rising. Residents often travel to the city to shop, go to school and for other economic and social opportunities.

The Pueblo of Zuni — where many Ramah residents go to receive health care — is even closer, only about 22 miles away. Zuni has 2 positive cases, Governor Val Panteah said on April 3.

“We are stressing that everyone stay home,” the Ramah Chapter said on social media. “When you stay home you are helping yourself, your family, and this community from spreading the virus.”

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