The Pueblo of Zuni continues to be negatively impacted by the coronavirus on the tribe’s reservation in western New Mexico.
As of August 2, 2020, 484 Zuni citizens have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. Some 282 people have recovered, according to the tribe.
Amid the recoveries, 30 deaths have been attributed to the coronavirus as of August 6. An amended declaration of emergency from that date asserts there is “no end in sight” to the pandemic.
Prior to August 6, the tribe announced the 28th death on July 30. The 27th death was confirmed on July 27.
“Our hearts go out to the family and everyone who is impacted by the tragic loss of a tribal member,” Governor Val Panteah said of the passings.
Throughout the month of August, the tribe has implemented a series of 57-hour weekend curfews. Similar restrictions on the Navajo Nation, whose homelands are near Zuni, have led to a reduction in COVID-19 cases.
“The intent and purpose of the 57-Hour Weekend Curfew is to limit the contact and restrict the movement of individuals within the boundaries of the Zuni Reservation,” a notice shared on August 3 reads.
Overall, the Indian Health Service facility at Zuni has confirmed 609 cases as of June 29. The service unit also provides care to residents of the nearby Ramah Navajo Chapter, which his part of the Navajo Nation.
Both Zuni and Ramah are near Gallup, a border town that has long been considered a coronavirus hotspot. According to the New Mexico Department of Health, McKinley County has seen 4,057 COVID-19 cases as of August 10. Nearly 78 percent of the county population is Native American.