The Navajo Nation will impose a curfew Monday, another tactic to encourage social distancing and slow the spread of the coronavirus.
In a statement broadcast on social media, President Jonathan Nez said the curfew will be from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
“We need to slow down people traveling around our nation,” he said. “We have already said to our visitors: all our tourist destinations are closed. Points of interest are closed. Please respect the sovereignty of the Navajo Nation.”
Only essential personnel should be out and about, Nez said. He’s already issued an order for people to stay at home.
The Navajo Nation announced at least 115 cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, with at least two deaths.
Tribal officials also encouraged all people wanting to donate supplies to contact the Navajo Health Command Operations Center at 928-871-7014, so that supplies are delivered by people trained to not spread the virus.
“If you have individuals not wearing gloves or possibly not wearing PPEs or other gear, depending on what’s being donated, that can also increase the risk of transmission,” said Jill Jim, Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Department of Health.
PPE stands for personal protective equipment like gowns, masks, and gloves.
