The Navajo Department of Health recently stated, “The use of masks in public on the Navajo Nation still is required.” The statement said the rule includes those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19. The mask mandate originally ordered in April 2020 still is in effect.
The NDOH also recommended maintaining social distancing and frequent hand washing or use of sanitizer.
The NDOH statement continued, “Although the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control Interim Public Health Recommendations for fully vaccinated people states that individuals fully vaccinated no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, territorial laws, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance, we are not in concurrence with these updated guidelines.”
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez added, “Several states have lifted even more restrictions that helped to prevent more spread of Covid-19, but we are keeping the mask mandate and social distancing protocols in place on the Navajo Nation.”
The health advisory also stated vaccinated individuals should continue to wear masks because “some of our family and community members are at high risk of getting very sick with the virus.” As of May 18, the NDOH said the total number of deaths from Covid-19 on the Navajo Nation was 1,295 with 18 new cases reported. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 270,706 Covid-19 tests have been administered on the Navajo Nation, with 30,740 positive cases and 29,353 recoveries.
