Navajo Nation Police Officer Dies From COVID-19

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – A police officer in the Navajo Nation has died after contracting COVID-19, according to officials.

President Jonathan Nez offered condolences to the family of Michael Lee Friday. He said Lee died earlier in the morning.

The police department confirmed Lee was the first law enforcement death due to the coronavirus, according to a news release from the president’s office.

“Officer Lee fought on the front lines to combat coronavirus and we are grateful for his dedication to our community. His steadfast commitment to protect and serve will be remembered and honored,” said Nez.

The release said Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer planned to issue a proclamation ordering all flags on the Navajo Nation to be flown at half-staff in Officer Lee’s memory.

Lee served with the Chinle Police District. He was an officer with the police department for 29 years. Memorial details will be released at a later date.

Earlier Friday, the Navajo Nation Department of Health announced two additional deaths from COVID-19. The virus has killed 325 people there since the pandemic started.

Navajo Nation Police and county sheriff’s departments planned to enforce another 57-hour weekend lockdown that begins at 8 p.m. Friday. There will be road checkpoints and violators could be fined or jailed.

All businesses on the reservation will be closed as well as Navajo tribal parks.

Officials announced another lockdown is scheduled for next weekend as well.

Tribal leadership is urging people to stay home especially as COVID cases are spiking in Arizona which borders the reservation. The Navajo reservation is in the four corners area, including Utah’s San Juan County.

“Please do not let your guard down against this monster called the coronavirus. We cannot go back to the way things were until the daily numbers decrease consistently, and until we have a vaccine,” Nez said. “We must practice all of the preventative measures to keep our families and communities safe and healthy. It may be hard to accept the changes in our lifestyles, but we have to accept it together and move forward. Don’t back down and stay home as much as possible,” said President Nez.

“We’ve got some good strong momentum, so let’s keep up the good work by making good decisions for ourselves and others. The light at the end of this dark tunnel is slowly getting brighter and brighter each day. Keep praying for all of our people, especially the health care workers, police officers, and many others on the frontlines,” added Vice President Myron Lizer.

The Navajo Nation has been one of the worst hotspots for the spread of coronavirus.  However, due to lengthy and numerous lockdowns and other outreach programs the reservation has recently been able to start flattening the curve.