Taos Pueblo issues work from home order

Taos Pueblo’s tribal government, emergency management team and leaders of tribal programs issued a “work from home” order for tribal programs effective Nov. 23-Nov. 25. The order came in response to a rapid increase in cases in Taos, Taos County and across the state, according to a statement from tribal officials to community members.

“Taos Pueblo Tribal Government and the TPEMT are continuously weighing the need to provide services to the community and the safety and wellbeing of the staff and community,” said the official statement. “This is an ongoing and constant discussion, and we appreciate the community’s understanding and patience as we navigate this complicated time.”

The statement went on to note that the temporary closure of programs “is not due to any specific cases among Tribal staff” but is instead a “preventative measure to reduce in-person contact between employees, community members and the clients we serve. We believe that stay at home orders are essential right now to combat the spread of COVID-19.”

Officials said in the statement that tribal programs will reopen on a limited basis Monday (Nov. 30).

Taos Pueblo officials put out a statement Nov. 13 noting 13 tribal members had tested positive for the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 but not all lived on tribal lands. Another 35 people were in precautionary quarantine after coming in contact with those who tested positive.

Pueblo officials urged tribal members to gather only with those in their immediate household for Thanksgiving, avoid large gatherings and to socially distance when around others.