Three Deaths Reported On Navajo Nation As Daily Curfew Goes Into Effect
Jun 8, 2020, 5:31 PM
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Health authorities on the Navajo Nation reported three more deaths late Sunday night as tribal members instituted a daily curfew to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The total number of people killed by the coronavirus is now up to 277.
More than 6,000 people on the Navajo reservation have tested positive for COVID-19, while 2,727 people have recovered from it.
The Navajo Nation encompasses an area about the size of West Virginia in the Four Corners area, which includes part of Utah’s San Juan County.
Tribal leaders have extended a daily curfew order that is in effect from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. seven days a week.
Police are enforcing the curfew with citations.
“This pandemic is far from over and if we become too relaxed then we are certain to see a second wave of the virus,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. “I say this because I want you to be safe and I want our elders to be healthy – hold each other accountable for each other’s actions.”
The Navajo Nation has struggled to battle the spread of COVID-19, in part, because many homes are spread out in remote areas – with large families living together, no running water, and a shortage of resources like food and personal protection equipment.
Charities and government agencies, including the Utah Department of Health and National Guard, have delivered tons of food and necessities to the reservation over the past several weeks. The Navajo Nation alone has helped with deliveries to nearly 14,000 homes, and future deliveries are already planned.
Many organizations continue to collect supplies and goods for the Navajo Nation.
More information on donating and getting help is available at wearenavajo.org and the Utah State Bar Indian Law Section.