by Bob Walsh
Gallup, New Mexico, has been essentially occupied and blockaded by the National Guard in response to a severe Covid-19 breakout in the immediate area.
The governor, Michelle Lujan, has invoked the state Riot Control Act and send in the State Police along with the National Guard. Residents have been ordered to stay at their homes except for real emergencies. No vehicle carrying more than two people is being allowed to cross the city limits and all non-essential travel is being prohibited. Many streets are closed down to traffic.
Most of the local WalMart is cordoned off and purchases are being limited to food and other essential goods. The Navajo Nation has ordered a dusk to dawn curfew and weekend curfew on their sprawling reservation.
The infection is believed to have started at a detox center and has hit nursing homes, homeless populations and the hospital very hard.
Violation of the Riot Act is a felony for the second offense. Most of the city officials of Gallop, except the mayor, requested the state action. The mayor of the 9,000 population city, Martin Hicks, has urged local businesses to reopen despite the order.
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