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Navajo Nation Reports Third Confirmed Case Of COVID-19

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The Navajo Nation has announced its third confirmed case of COVID-19 Coronavirus. The Navajo Department of Health says the third patient is a 62-year-old male from the same region as the first two confirmed cases near Kayenta.

The third individual reported his symptoms to the Kayenta Health Center and was transported to a hospital in Phoenix where he was being treated Wednesday.

Health and emergency officials are taking the proper precautions to screen and isolate the person’s family members.

Navajo officials are in the process of determining the extent of the relation of the cases in the Kayenta area.  The first two cases reported on Tuesday, involved a 46-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man who were also transported to hospitals in the Phoenix area.

The Navajo Health Command Operations Center is considering issuing a shelter-in-place order for the community of Chilchinbeto, which would require residents to remain in their home due to the spread of the virus.

On Wednesday, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez issued notice of enhanced travel restrictions, encouraging all citizens not to travel unless travel is necessary to obtain essential items such as groceries, medication, emergencies, medical appointments, and livestock care. The notice also urges all citizens to stay home for a period of at least 15-days.

A Public Health Emergency Order was also issued on the Navajo Nation requiring restaurants to operate at no greater than 50 percent of maximum occupancy and no greater than 50 percent of seating capacity.

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