Hopi leaders on First Mesa have passed a resolution to restrict visitors, non-residents and non-tribal members from entering to limit the spread of coronavirus.
According to officials with First Mesa Consolidated Villages, essential and authorized service personnel and public safety agencies will still be allowed but all tours are canceled.
“It is extremely concerning that the virus has now infected our Hopi people,” says First Mesa Administrator Ivan Sidney. “We were apprehensive at the alarming rate at which the virus was spreading on the surrounding Navajo Reservation and prayed our people would be safe; but no one is immune to this deadly virus.”
The resolution also encourages residents to stay at home during the outbreak. Tribal officials say security guards are monitoring village entrances to enforce the order. The Hopi Health Care Center reports 11 known confirmed cases of COVID-19.
