Navajo Nation To Reopen Parks, Roads & Schools
Jul 6, 2021, 4:00 PM | Updated: 4:24 pm
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer were joined by Navajo business owners, members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council, Miss Navajo Nation Shaandiin Parrish, and Division Directors at Navajo Veterans Memorial Park on Tuesday, as they signed Resolution CJN-36-21 into law, which lifts several COVID-19 restrictions. (Used by permission, Navajo Nation)
(Used by permission, Navajo Nation)
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer signed Resolution CJN-36-21 into law, which allows parks and schools to reopen with COVID-19 safety measures.
The leaders signed the resolution Tuesday.
The Navajo Department of Health planned to issue an emergency health order Wednesday, outlining safety protocols and requirements for reopening.
A mask mandate remains in effect for the entire Navajo Nation.
The order lifts COVID-19 restrictions and will allow parks to reopen at 50% capacity as early as Thursday.
Schools will eventually reopen for in-person instruction.
A news release said the Department of Diné Education recently hosted a parent/guardian forum to discuss K-12 education on the Navajo Nation amidst COVID-19.
President Nez approves resolution allowing parks and roads to reopen to visitors under capacity limits and safety protocols #NavajoNation pic.twitter.com/29meTqNBI5
— Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez (@NNPrezNez) July 6, 2021
“Today’s signing of this resolution signifies the strength and resilience of the Navajo people throughout this COVID-19 pandemic. Our gating measures and data show a consistent downward trend in new cases and deaths related to COVID-19, and we have a large majority of our Navajo Nation residents fully vaccinated,” Nez said. “We’ve experienced unprecedented challenges and hardship over the last year and a half, but we are emerging stronger than ever from the pandemic.”
Nez asked tourists and visitors to respect the reservation’s COVID-19 safety protocols.
“It’s a great day for the Navajo Nation and for our Navajo business owners! The Navajo Nation faced COVID-19 challenges that not only harmed our public health but also the economy of small and developing businesses,” Lizer said. “Today’s approval to re-open is historical for our Navajo citizens. As we bounce back from temporary closures, we continue the legacy of Navajo resiliency.”
In all, the approved resolution rescinds the following orders:
- CMA-16-20: which previously closed Navajo Nation roads to visitors and tourists
- CO-84-20: which previously opposed in-person school instruction due to COVID-19
- CJY-66-20: which allowed meetings through telecommunications for chapter subcommittees, Community Land Use Planning Committees, agency, regional and district councils, chapters and agency veterans organizations
- CMA-09-20: which temporarily reduced chapter meeting quorum requirements
Lizer added, “Our public health experts have given us the guidance and tools to protect ourselves against COVID-19, so personal responsibility is key to maintain the downward trend in new cases of COVID-19. We are overjoyed for our business owners and we are pleased to welcome our visitors as well. Buy Navajo, Buy Local!”
Navajo leadership will give more information once the Navajo Department of Health finishes the new emergency health order on Wednesday.
Residents can take part in a town hall Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. by visiting the Nez-Lizer Administration YouTube channel or Facebook page.
