New Lumbee tribal chairman has COVID-19. Up to 200 attended his inauguration Thursday.
The newly sworn-in head of the Lumbee tribe said Saturday that he tested positive for COVID-19 and contact tracing has begun for the nearly 200 in attendance at his inauguration Thursday.
On Facebook, Lumbee Tribal Chairman John Lowery said he tested positive despite being fully vaccinated against the disease. He was prepared to receive his booster next month, he said.
At his inauguration, he said, “all safety measures and precautions were followed,” including limiting attendance and providing masks.
The ceremony was held in the 1,600-seat Givens Performing Center on the campus of UNC-Pembroke.
As a precaution, Lumbee staff on Friday performed contact tracing to alert people that he tested positive, Lowery said.
In a separate Facebook post, the tribe shared a list of sites for any attendees who want to be tested for COVID, and vaccination locations for community members.
Lowery said he awakened on Friday “not feeling well and with what I would consider a massive headache.”
His first day with the tribal staff was to begin with meetings at 8 a.m. at the tribal complex, “but I decided to postpone,” Lowery posted.
“Headaches are sometimes a symptom of COVID -19,” he said. “The last two years have taught us, if you feel sick or have flu or cold symptoms, it is best to stay home and get tested.
He said he’d felt “great all week,” which is why he entered the inauguration with his son, daughter, wife and other family members by his side.
Because of the headache, he said, he took an at-home COVID-19 test, which revealed that he was positive. He said he received a rapid test at a testing site Friday night where the results were likewise positive.
“Thankfully, after some over-the-counter medication and rest, my headache is gone, and I am almost back to 100% with my energy, and I feel great,” Lowery posted on Facebook at 4 p.m. Saturday.
“I am grateful that the headache I felt Friday was very minimal to what I experienced with my first bout of COVID in January 2021,” he said.
“I want the very best for our Lumbee People and that includes health and happiness in this new year,” he said. “With COVID-19 cases on the rise in our community, please remain vigilant to protect you and your family.”
The Eastern North Carolina-based Lumbee, the largest tribe east of the Mississippi, have struggled for federal recognition for 133 years.
This story was originally published January 8, 2022 at 6:28 PM.