School in Navajo Nation reports cases of COVID-19. | Courtesy of Unsplash
School in Navajo Nation reports cases of COVID-19. | Courtesy of Unsplash
The Navajo Nation put off closing its schools and students have since begun to show concerning symptoms.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (R) issued an order for schools to close on March 16 in response to COVID-19. Hard Rock in the Navajo Nation, however, continued to hold classes, failing to heed the governor’s order, as the school in the community is run by the Bureau of Indian Education — a separate entity from the Arizona state government, according to a recent story in the NM Political Reporter.
Rocky Ridge Boarding School, a small campus for roughly 100 students kindergarten through 8th grade near Hard Rock, continued to welcome students.
The Bureau of Indian Education’s agency director, Tony Dearman also ordered some schools to close on March 14, but Rocky Ridge seemed to be uncertain as to whether or not it was among the selected schools to close.
Students continued attending classes for another day and the staff had meetings for two days. Soon after, one employee tested positive for COVID-19.
On March 25, acting principal, Timothy Clashin, announced that the school was closed due to the virus. Clashin additionally reported that a 55-year-old education technician passed away but did not include any information on if the fatality was due to COVID-19.
A Bureau of Indian Education spokesperson commented on the situation.
“An investigation is currently underway, and initial information is pending verification,” Genevieve Giaccardo said. “Indian Affairs cannot share or post information that cannot be verified by investigators and physicians.”
The Navajo Nation as a whole is now struggling in the fight against COVID-19, with Chilchinbeto, Arizona, being called the epicenter of the virus in the Navajo Nation.
As of April 13, the Navajo Nation had 813 confirmed cases of the virus with 28 deaths.
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