Navajo Nation continues 32-hour partial weekend lock downs and daily curfews through September
Leaders urge public to prepare for winter season while abiding by lock downs and curfews

(Cronkite News/Chelsea Hoffman)

(Cronkite News/Chelsea Hoffman)

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — On Sept. 1, the Navajo Department of Health continued the Navajo Nation’s 32-hour partial weekend lockdowns and daily curfew hours through the month of September to help control and prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation.

The new order implements a partial weekend lockdown for the four (4) weekends in September, starting Sept. 5 at 9 p.m. (MDT) to Sept. 7at 5 a.m. (MDT), and continuing the 32-hour partial weekend lockdowns for the weekends of Sept. 12-14, Sept. 19-21 and Sept. 26-28. The daily curfew hours will remain in effect from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. (MDT).

“As long as there is no vaccine available, there will remain substantial risk of contracting COVID-19,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. “We have to keep doing everything we can to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The 32-hour partial weekend lockdowns provide time on Saturdays for families to prepare for the upcoming winter season by gathering fire wood, food, water and other supplies.”

Nez said Navajo Nation citizens should not be traveling on weekends.

“Because the data shows that when citizens travel to nearby towns and cities, they put themselves at greater risk of contracting the virus and bringing it home to their loved ones, co-workers, and others,” Nez said. “With the Labor Day weekend approaching, we have to remain focused and be diligent to avoid another surge in new COVID-19 cases. Our health care system cannot handle another surge.”

Public Health Emergency Order 2020-022 also outlines provisions for drive-in gatherings, including religious gatherings, which are allowed during non-curfew hours only and requires organizers to ensure that participants remain in their vehicle except to use the restroom, vehicles must park at least six-feet apart, participants must wear masks at all times and maintain social distancing with no direct contact with others.

Organizers must also limit the number of people in a restroom to fewer than five people, ensure that people have access to handwashing stations, sanitizer, or gloves, and ensure that high-touch surfaces are regularly disinfected.

Vice President Myron Lizer said the latest public health emergency order allows for some flexibility for drive-in gatherings, which include strict safety measures to help keep everyone safe.

“We are listening to the health care experts and frontline workers, and we are doing our best to avoid another spike in new COVID-19 cases on the Navajo Nation by implementing measures that provide some flexibility but also prioritizing the health of our people,” Lizer said. “Please use the time on Saturdays to get your homes and families ready for the upcoming winter season.”

All businesses including all stores, gas stations, restaurants, drive-thru food establishments, hay and all other vendors are required to cease operations and close during the partial weekend lockdowns and daily curfew hours.

Individuals are permitted to conduct farming activities and tend to livestock, however, livestock owners must plan ahead to purchase hay and feed — hay vendors will not be allowed to sell during the partial weekend lockdowns and daily curfew hours.

Essential employees reporting to or from duty are exempted from the partial weekend lockdown, but must carry official identification or a letter of designation from their employer on official letterhead which includes a contact name and number for verification.

Public Health Emergency Order 2020-022 also outlines more provisions for curbside and drive-thru businesses, grocery stores, gas stations, laundry facilities and drive-in gatherings during non-curfew hours. More information about the entire Public Health Emergency Order is available by clicking on the following link: https://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/Portals/0/PDF/PHE/NDOH%20Public%20Health%20Emergency%20Order%202020-022%20Dikos%20Ntsaaigii-19%20(002).pdf.

Information provided by the Office of the President and Vice President

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