Based on cases from Aug. 13-16, the Navajo Department of Health has issued an advisory notice for 36 communities because of uncontrolled spread of COVID-19.

On Aug. 24, Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp. (TCRHCC) initiated CODE Green, an emergency response plan, and is proactively taking steps to prepare for an anticipated increase in COVID-19 testing and expansion of vaccination operations in the Tuba City service area.

Upcoming news and events on and around the Hopi and Navajo reservations.

On Aug. 18, Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer delivered personal protection equipment (PPE) to the Amá Dóó Áłchíní BÍghan, Inc. (ADABI) in Chinle, Arizona, to help keep children and families safe and healthy from COVID-19 and the Delta Variant.

All Navajo Nation executive branch employees will need to be fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19 by the end of September or be required to submit to regular testing, according to an executive order announced by President Jonathan Nez Aug. 22.

Navajo Area Indian Health Service health care facilities are now offering the third dose or booster shots of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Aug. 17 upped the pressure on the growing number of public school districts defying a state ban on mask mandates.

The primary election for Hopi chairman takes place Sept. 9. Early voting starts Aug. 16 for Hopi tribal members.

The Navajo Nation will return to ‘Orange Status’ for business, schools and will revise in-person gathering limits for certain events beginning Aug. 16 because of an increase in COVID-19 cases on the Navajo Nation.

The 2021 Andy Harvey Indigenous Youth Media Workshop finished up Aug. 7 at Northern Arizona Univeristy in what was a challenging year for students and staff alike.

On Aug. 9, the Navajo Department of Health reported 15 new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation and six more deaths.

Rumble on the Mountain 7 will take place Aug. 7 from 6 – 10 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater in Flagstaff — the theme of this year’s event is ‘Welcome to Flagstaff’ — proof of vaccination is required for those attending in person.

The number of known deaths now is at 1,373.

According to the tribe, this is the largest increase in weeks.

Masks will be required for all students and faculty attending in-person, regardless of whether or not they have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

As dog attacks on the Navajo Nation begin to gain more attention, animal rescue groups on the reservation continue to seek solutions for stray or abandoned animals.

Both are Navajo-owned businesses that offer guided tours, camp grounds, lodging, and other amenities to th Navajo Nation.

The mask mandate remains in effect for the entire Navajo Nation.

Out of the $361,508,000 allocated to the Navajo CARES Act Hardship Fund Assistance Program, $319,532,000 has been paid out to approximately 308,000 enrolled members.

First Lady Biden recalled her recent visit to the Navajo Nation and recognized tribal leaders in attendance.

Navajo Technical University (NTU) began construction of outdoor gazebos at its main campus and four instructional sites to offer outdoor spaces for instruction and activities for students, faculty, and staff.

After a year-long hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Museum of Northern Arizona’s Heritage Festival returns in a new form during four weekends in July.

The Navajo Nation recorded its first case of the Delta variant of COVID-19 June 25.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit the Navajo Nation, jewelry, arts, crafts and food vendors closed to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Hopi High School held its graduation ceremony for its 36 graduates June 15 at the football field with Miss Native American Lexie James, a graduate of Hopi High who won state awards for her media work, serving as keynote speaker.

Ethel Branch (Diné) was named Woman of the Year during the 2021 Arizona American Indian Excellence in Leadership Awards after co-founding the Navajo and Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund last March.

Native American writers Louise Erdrich and Natalie Diaz were named winners of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize in the categories of fiction and poetry — also included was Marty Two Bulls Sr. who was named a finalist in editorial cartooning June 11.

The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Health Command Operations Center, and Community Health Representatives continue to coordinate efforts to deliver water to elders in remote areas.

Following final approval from the Office of the President and Vice President, eight tribal parks will be allowed to reopen.

Navajo ranchers impacted by the pandemic and ongoing drought may soon qualify for assistance to supplement their livestock with hay and grain.