Pascua Yaqui Tribe Chairman Robert Valencia, left, and Carlos Flores, fire chief and COVID-19 emergency response coordinator, update the community on screening and testing opportunities in this still image from an April 17 Facebook video.
The Pascua Yaqui Health Services Division has started to offer more COVID-19 screening and testing.
The tribal government outlined the plan in a press release and video on Facebook Friday, saying it would begin Monday to screen tribal members and employees of the tribal government and its two casinos. It will also offer the screenings to people working for the Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation and its subsidiaries.
Carlos Flores, chief of the tribe’s fire department and its emergency response coordinator, said the Health Department now has a machine that can quickly test for COVID-19. He said it is waiting for more tests to arrive, but for now, supplies are limited to "the double digits."
“It’s a great thing that we got this machine, but we really didn’t get enough tests. That’s just what’s going on. That’s just the trend that we’re seeing out there,” Flores said during the Facebook video. “The availability of tests are extremely limited.”
Flores said the screening process will be strict. People who do meet the requirements for testing will receive an appointment.
“That screening process is gonna be very, very crucial, and we just ask for your understanding,” Flores said. “But if you are showing any signs of symptoms, and you don’t get through the screening process, please continue to stay at home.”
Flores encouraged tribal members to at least wear a homemade cloth mask in public. He said the tribe is looking into producing masks.
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