A Centers for Disease Control illustration of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
The White Mountain Apache Tribal Council on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation has issued a curfew and a stay-at-home order in order to reduce spread of the new coronavirus.
The tribal council’s order on Wednesday states during the pandemic, no residents of the reservation will be allowed to travel from 8 p.m. till 5 a.m. during the pandemic. There are exceptions: Anyone who needs medical care or has been deemed essential can travel during those times. Essential workers must carry their work badges or a letter from their boss citing their schedule.
“These additional measures were not made hastily but rather through dialogue with each tribal council member,” said Chairwoman Gwendena Lee-Gatewood in a press release posted on her Facebook page. “In light of the extraordinary threat posed by COVID-19, the tribal council implemented more aggressive measures to protect tribal members and our community.”
A tribal representative announced Friday that 11 tribal members were known to have the new coronavirus. She said out of everyone tested, 36 people tested negative and 12 were waiting for results.
The order says all stores, including Basha’s grocery store, must close at 7 p.m., and no children under the age of 14 will be allowed in them at any time. The order also requires people to wear masks when in public.
Tribal members in violation of these and other measures listed in the council’s order will receive a $1,000 fine and lose privileges, including antler hunting. The tribe also reserved the right to reinstate water utility and housing rent payments.
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