Navajo Nation Reports No COVID-19 Deaths 3 Days In A Row
The Navajo Nation has reported no new deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic for the past three consecutive days. Tribal officials also reported three new cases Tuesday and identified the communities of Leupp, Cameron and Tolani Lake as exhibiting a recent “uncontrolled spread” of the virus. The Nation is currently requesting public comment regarding a return to in-person learning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently shifted its recommendations, allowing students to sit 3 feet apart; President Jonathan Nez told the public on Tuesday the reservation would continue to support a general 6-foot distance between individuals to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Spanish-Language Vaccination Efforts Roll Out As Racial Disparities Remain
Several organizations are gearing up to host a virtual town hall Thursday afternoon to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine with Arizona’s Spanish-speaking communities. The event, “Cita con los Directores," will be hosted by the organization All In Education, along with Northern Arizona University, the Board of Regents, and the Phoenix Union High School District. Language barriers nationwide have played a role in hindering information about the pandemic; Latino Arizonans are currently underrepresented in the state’s vaccinated populations according to the department of health services data. As of Wednesday morning, 9.6% of vaccinated individuals were categorized as Hispanic or Latino by ADHS. State health officials on Tuesday released public service announcements in both English and Spanish in an effort to promote the COVID-19 vaccine.
Low Snow Accumulation Forecast For Northern AZ
A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until Wednesday at 5 p.m. for areas including Show Low, Window Rock and Ganado, according to the National Weather Service. Forecasters say snow near Flagstaff will decrease late morning or afternoon as the storm system moves east. Less than an inch of snow accumulation is anticipated for Flagstaff throughout the day; in Window Rock, up to three inches is predicted and in Tsaile, up to two inches. I-40 eastbound has reopened near Twin Arrows east of Flagstaff after a vehicle slid off the road earlier this morning, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Vaccine Eligibility Expands As AZ Approaches 3 Million Administered Doses
Arizona counties continue to expand eligibility to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 2.9 million doses of vaccine have been distributed so far statewide, according to Arizona’s Department of Health Services. ADHS estimates 25.8% of the state population has been partially or fully vaccinated against the virus. Mohave and Yavapai counties have expanded eligibility to adults 55 and older, while Navajo, Pinal, Gila and Coconino counties have opened the vaccine to adults 18 and older. Arizona earlier this morning opened vaccine eligibility to individuals 16 and older at its state-run mass vaccination sites; ADHS announced online appointments were booked at the sites just 20 minutes after they opened, though health officials added some spaces remained at the state's call center.
Yavapai Deputies Fatally Shoot Wanted Man
Yavapai County deputies fatally shot a 42-year-old man Monday night in the Prescott Valley area; deputies say the man was armed, and allegedly fired multiple shots at officers. Edward Kayer of Carefree in Maricopa County had been wanted by the Sedona Police Department after he allegedly fired more than a dozen rounds during an altercation in late February. Deputies say they encountered and pursued Kayer Monday evening after receiving multiple tips from the public; Kayer was pronounced dead on the scene following the shooting. He had been convicted of manslaughter in Oregon, according to the sheriff’s office and public court records. Kayer was also prohibited from legally possessing a firearm, authorities said.
