ADHS Recommends Return To Johnson & Johnson
The Arizona Department of Health Services on Fridayrecommended a return to using the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The state had previously recommended a pause on the vaccine after blood clots occurred in several women who received the dose. Six cases of the blood clots were confirmed among more than 6.8 million administrations of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The Food and Drug Administration also recommended resuming the vaccine’s distribution, though the FDA directs patients to immediately seek medical help if experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling or other symptoms after receiving the vaccine.
Flag Fire Evacuates Hundreds Of Households Near Kingman
Evacuation orders have been issued for Pine Lake and a nearby resort after a wildfire spread through the Hualapai Mountains on Sunday, according to Mohave County officials. The county says air attacks have been implemented in an effort to contain the 600-acre fire. The evacuation applies to about 200 households, along with the Hualapai Mountain Resort. Images released from the National Weather Service Sunday afternoon showed heavy smoke visible from Kingman.
Hualapai Mountain Road has been closed at milepost 10 to give prioritization to first responders and evacuating residents. The Red Cross had established a shelter at the Palo Christy Elementary School in Kingman. The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday evening directed residents in Atherton Acres and Pinion Pines to prepare for evacuation, though no direct order has been issued.
MCSO also directed residents with livestock to contact the office for assistance.
“Yellow Status” Begins On Navajo
The Navajo Nation is loosening some COVID-19 restrictions as the reservation transitions from “orange” to “yellow” status in its reopening plan. The newly issued regulations will allow restaurants to operate with indoor dining at a maximum capacity of 25 percent. Church gatherings can operate at up to 50% capacity, with social distancing and masks mandated. The new protocols will open tribal parks to Navajo Nation residents only.
More than half the adult population on the reservation has been fully vaccinated against the virus, according to tribal officials.
“We want to see that percentage increase to 70 or 80% before considering reopening to visitors of the Navajo Nation,” President Jonathan Nez said in a statement Friday.
Newlife Forest Facility Opens In Bellemont
A sawmill and manufacturing plant opened officially on Friday in Bellemont west of Flagstaff. The new facility was launched and will be operated by Newlife Forest Products, an Arizona-based company that manufactures wood chips and other products specifically in forested areas experiencing potential overgrowth. The company holds a partnership with the Four Forest Restoration Initiative, and also operates a facility in Williams. NewLife Forest estimates the center will bring 200 jobs to the immediate area.
Plane Crash Kills 2 Near Winslow
Navajo County officials say two people died after an airplane crashed north of Winslow Friday afternoon. The county sheriff’s office reports the aircraft was on fire when responders arrived at the scene. Sheriff’s deputies did not release the names of those involved. A multi-agency investigation is pending, and federal investigators arrived on Saturday, according to the sheriff’s office.
Coconino County Slots Open At Fort Tuthill
Coconino County officials say individuals 18 and older can receive doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the county’s Fort Tuthill site and that no appointments are necessary. The county reports appointments are available at North Country Healthcare in Tusayan, Safeways in Page and Williams, along with several healthcare providers in Page. County officials estimate 45.3% of the population has received at least one dose of vaccine.
