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KNAU's Morning Rundown: Monday, March 29

Flagstaff Officials Criticize Ducey After COVID-19 Restrictions Loosen

Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy and the City Council announced Friday that they do not plan to rescind the city’s face covering proclamation. The decision comes after Gov. Doug Ducey signed an executive order stopping local governments from enforcing COVID-19 restrictions. The order allows county and city governments to enforce mask mandates only on public transportation and in government-operated buildings. 

Ducey’s order “is not in the best interest of public health and further erodes home rule,” the City Council said in a statement Friday.

The Council has asked staff to further analyze the executive order; in the meantime, Flagstaff’s mask mandates will not be enforced, though officials encouraged local businesses to use mask mandates. The City Council will further discuss the matter tomorrow afternoon. 

Meanwhile, Sedona Mayor Sandy Moriarty says she will likely sign a modified emergency proclamation today in response to the executive order. Moriarty encouraged Sedona residents to continue wearing masks and practice social distancing in public.

Variant Documented In South Africa Confirmed In Arizona, ADHS Says

Arizona health officials on Friday confirmed the first cases of a COVID-19 variant originally documented in South Africa. The Department of Health Services and Maricopa County Department of Public Health reported two new cases Friday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention first reported the variant earlier this year in the United States; the variant is said to spread more rapidly according to Mayo Clinic. The CDC says there is not yet evidence that the South Africa-associated variant impacts the disease’s severity. A compilation of research in Business Insider shows the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are less effective against the variant.

Missing Man Found Dead At Snowbowl, County Officials Investigating 

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a 56-year-old man was found dead at the Snowbowl. Vsevolod Mikhailovich Predtechenskiy had last been seen on Saturday, March 27 by family members in Chandler before he traveled to Flagstaff. Later in the day, he contacted family members from the Snowbowl using Skype. Predtechenskiy was a frequent snowboarder who was familiar with the area, family members said. 

Longer Business Hours, ‘Drive-In’ Gatherings Launch On Navajo Nation

The Navajo Nation on Friday implemented a new stay-at-home order loosening restrictions as cases continue to decline. The recently modified regulations now allow  outdoor drive-in gatherings, though authorities say all participants must remain in their cars, and that all attendees must wear masks during the social gatherings. The new order also relaxes an ongoing curfew on the reservation; businesses can now remain open one hour later into the night. Tribal health officials reported seven new COVID-19 cases Sunday and no recent deaths related to the pandemic.  

National Legislation Aims To Get Veterans Vaccinated

Today is March 29 — nationally recognized as Vietnam War Veterans Day. President Joe Biden last week signed legislation that will allow veterans to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The law will also allow caregivers and spouses to receive the vaccine from the VA. The law will grant vaccine prioritization to veterans living abroad and veterans who aren’t normally eligible for VA healthcare. More than half a million veterans are living in the state, according to the University of Arizona.

Missing Girl, Man Each Found Safe, Navajo Police Department Says

The Navajo Police Department says a 14-year-old girl has been located safe after being reported missing last week. In a separate case, officials announced 32-year-old Santana Yazzie has also been located safe after the NPD reported him missing on Saturday, March 27.

The NPD is still searching for 44-year-old Larry Tso, who was last seen Oct. 27, 2020 by family members in Shiprock. Tso is 5 foot 7 inches with a medium build; he has brown eyes and black hair. Authorities say he has a tattoo of the letter “A” on the right side of his neck, and another of a feather on the back of his right calf. Individuals with information can contact the NPD Shiprock District.