KGUN 9NewsCoronavirus

Actions

Tribes take measures to slow spread of new coronavirus

Virus Outbreak-Tribes
Posted at 4:40 PM, Mar 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-22 19:40:03-04

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Native American tribes across the country are pressing the federal government for more resources to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

In the meantime, tribal leaders are suspending travel off reservations, closing casinos and hotels, instituting curfews in some places and strongly urging their citizens to protect the elderly.

Tribes recently were included in a federal funding package for epidemiology, infection control, education and other things.

But tribes say the $40 million is not enough.

The federal Indian Health Service says it's talking with tribes to determine how best to dole out the money.