GRIC staying strong to slow the spread of COVID-19

Emma Hughes

Gila River Indian News

COVID-19 testing continues in the Community with a total of 40,153 tests being done and of those tests 1,350 individuals have tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). 535 positive cases are Gila River Indian Community members and 815 are non-members. Over 134,600 positive COVID-19 cases have been reported in the state and 3.5 million positive cases in the U.S.

Navajo Nation reported 8,370 positive cases as of July 15, in a press release by the Navajo Nation, it also stated that 6,184 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. Tohono O’odham Nation reported 223 positive cases as of July 6. The Hopi Tribe reported 370 positive cases on July 15. Salt River Pima- Maricopa Indian Community reported 168 positive cases of COVID-19 as of July 15 with 110 recovered.

Currently, there is still no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, so it is important to continue to protect yourself, your family and your Community in order to reduce and prevent the spread of the virus. Although the elderly and those with previous health conditions are said to be the most vulnerable, the majority of those testing positive in the Community are between the ages of 20 and 44 years, according to data reports by the Tribal Health Department. Continue to wash your hands often, maintain physical distance, wear a face mask when around others.

The Gila River Indian Community maintains a stay-at-home order which directs those living within the Community to stay home unless they are conducting essential activities such as work, grocery shopping, doctor visits, outdoor physical activity, or caring for a family member, friend, or animal. Face coverings are also required for anyone out in public within the boundaries of the Gila River Indian Community. Cloth masks are available to Community members at any District Service Center. The Community’s governmental of offices remain closed until at least August 2, 2020 due to the pandemic.

You can now stay informed on notices regarding the pandemic with text alerts from the Gila River Indian Community. Subscription is simple, just text “GILARIVER” to 797979 to sign up for updates. You will receive a text message confirming your subscription and you will begin to receive important updates from the Community and you can opt out at any time.