UPDATE, April 1, 2020:
According to the Office of Senator Steve Daines, Necia Erickson has landed back in the United States and is expected home Wednesday night.
(Original story, March 22, 2020)
The coronavirus has many Americans stranded abroad, including a woman from Bozeman who is currently stuck in Peru.
Necia Erickson arrived last week to Cusco for her Spring Break. A few days later, the country imposed a national lockdown.
“So I've spent just a couple days like, fully just in this compound. Haven't walked more than a 50 foot radius,” Erickson said. “It will be a good story for my grandkids once it's all over.”
As the State Department continues to work on getting U.S. residents home, MTN News learned from Erickson that she is currently in contact with U.S. Senator Steve Daines to find a way home.
Peru's President ordered borders to be closed for 15 days, only allowing people to go to places like the grocery store and pharmacy.
Erickson has been documenting every step of the way: “We just left the market, and now we're going to the supermarket. The mask life.”
At this point, Erickson is not sure when she'll get home.
“I went to the embassy. The sign on the embassy door was like, we're closed to extreme emergencies, talk to your local airlines. And really left us like nothing,” she said.
Erickson says despite the hard moments, sometimes breaking down and calling her mother in tears, she feels safe where she is.
She also shared her optimism for humanity during a difficult time.
“We're all stressed right now,” Erickson said. “So knowing that it is not just about me, but it's about every human that's in the world. And I hope that at the end of this we can all love each other a lot better.”
Sen. Daines' office reported they were able to help get Isaac Sturgeon from Dillon home from Morocco Saturday morning and say they will keep us up-to-date on Erickson’s return.