WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Beginning Friday night at 8 p.m., the Navajo Nation is under a mandatory 57-hour curfew due to the widespread numbers of COVID-19.
The nation is the largest tribal land in the country, now facing 558 confirmed positive cases and 22 deaths.
“This is a seriously public health emergency," said Navajo President Jonathan Nez.
Both Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer are self-quarantining after exposure to a first responder who later tested positive to the virus.
“We’re waiting for some resources to come in from the federal government, but due to the bureaucracy and slowness of the dollars coming in, to have a nation, we had to do something,” said Nez.
Arizona has sent in the National Guard to assist the nation and help build temporary tents next to the hospitals to care for both COVID-19 positive patients and others.
“We prepared by getting supplies groceries they would last us through the weekend," said Window Rock resident Jeremy Shirley.
Shirley said many on the reservation live in rural areas, and the need for clean water, food and access to healthcare remain a challenge.
President Nez said that over 2,300 COVID-19 tests have come back negative.
He said nation police will be out in enforcement, and essential workers can work if they present proper documentation. If residents are caught breaking the curfew, they could face a $1000 fine and or 30 days in jail.
