The Mescalero Apache Tribe reported the first and second COVID-19 positive cases among residents of the reservation in southern New Mexico.
“At this time, we need to come together as a community. Stay home. Wear a facemask,” President Gabe Aguilar said in a news release on May 22, 2020. “If you are contacted for testing, then please comply. If you may have been exposed, please contact Indian Health Service or the Tribe immediately.”
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.”
The tribe reported the first COVID-19 positive case on Thursday. The person was not exhibiting symptoms and is being quarantined, according to a May 21 release.
The second COVID-19 positive case is of an elderly person, the tribe said. The individual is being hospitalized, according to the May 22 release.
