Kewa Pueblo, also known as Santo Domingo Pueblo, continues to see an increase in coronavirus cases within the tribal community in New Mexico.
Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation reported 50 COVID-19 positive cases as of May 22, 2020. That’s more than double the cases reported on May 1.
“To continue our efforts to protect the community, we are extending our Stay-at-home order until further notice,” a May 15 memo from tribal leaders states. “Pueblo members and other persons residing on the Pueblo’s tribal lands are directed to continue isolating in their homes, continue limiting contact with people outside of your immediate household, limiting contact to only those who currently reside with you home. Children and all others should stay with the household they are in now, and not move between households.”
About 2,400 people live at Kewa, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, though the state of New Mexico puts the population at more than 3,100. Based on data shared by the tribal health corporation, over 1,600 have undergone testing for the coronavirus. Most of the tests were conducted by Presbyterian Healthcare Services, a private, non-profit provider.
Kewa is located in Sandoval County, where a large number of COVID-19 cases have been reported in two additional tribal communities. The Pueblo of San Felipe and the Pueblo of Zia have each seen more than 100 cases, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.
Kewa is about 40 miles north of downtown Albuquerque, the most populous city in New Mexico.