GALLUP - Medical doctors from the Gallup-McKinley County area met virtually with Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce CEO Bill Lee April 28 to address local concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

The session, called “COVID-19: The Local Doctors’ Perspective,” was hosted on Zoom, an online conference meeting space, and broadcast on Facebook live.

Lee moderated the one-hour question-and-answer event, asking the doctors COVID-19-related questions.

The doctors in attendance were Dr. Jennie Wei from the Gallup Indian Medical Center, Dr. Valory Wangler of Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services and Dr. Lawrence Andrade of Family Medicine Associates.

The public...

Governor creates Navajo Nation Rapid Response Team

Gallup’s outgoing mayor Jackie McKinney asked for a state of emergency within the City of Gallup April 30. McKinney called on the governor to declare a state of emergency pursuant to “the Riot Control Act” (NMSA 1978  12-10-16 through 12-10-21) within the boundaries of the City of Gallup.

In his letter, McKinney said, “This request is being made as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak in our community, which constitutes an unprecedented health crisis. The virus has caused many deaths, stretched our medical facilities and resources to their capacity, and adversely impacted the welfare of the City of Gallup.  Our community is...

As the country deals with the influx of COVID-19 patients, hospitals have had to find ways to house the patients to receive proper medical care by setting up temporary field hospitals. As of April 28, McKinley County is the hardest hit county in New Mexico with 820 positive tests.

Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services and Gallup Indian Medical Center have cooperated with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to transform the gymnasium at Miyamura High School into just such a center.

The field hospital is described as a safe and comfortable setting where COVID-19 patients can be isolated and monitored during the pandemic, according to the Gallup Alternate Care Facility...

Fifth open field death in April

A man’s body was found behind Earl’s Restaurant on East Highway 66 by someone walking in the area. Gallup Police received a call at 12:16 pm April 27 and headed to the location, where the witness pointed out the body. EMS personnel were dispatched. Information about age and identity has not been released. The body was sent for autopsy.

Details on the other open field deaths this month are gradually becoming available.

The first open field death was on April 4 at 1301 E. Hwy. 66, outside Penny Pincher’s. The man was autopsied.  He was identified 57 year old John Grandal, homeless, and his death was believed to be related to a cardiac issue.

The...