With new coronavirus infections surging across Arizona, the Navajo and Hopi Tribes have implemented additional curfews in the interest of public safety.
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez has ordered a reinstatement of weekend lockdowns for the Nation, effect Friday at sundown, lifting Monday at sunrise. On Wednesday, the Navajo Department of Health reported 75 new cases of COVID-19 and 3 more known deaths. More than 3,300 tribal members have reportedly recovered from the virus.
The Hopi Tribe has also declared a curfew order for First Mesa Consolidated Villages. Tribal officials say First Mesa has the highest rate of positive cases on Hopi land. The curfew went into effect Wednesday, effective from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily.
Arizona now has one of the highest rates of new coronavirus infections in the nation. On Wednesday, under mounting public pressure, Governor Doug Ducey said he would allow mayors to decide for their own communities whether to mandate the wearing of face masks in public places.
