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Navajo Health Officials Warn Of 'Uncontrolled' COVID-19 Spread

AP, file

The Navajo Department of Health has issued an advisory warning residents of what they call the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 in some communities on the reservation.

Officials in recent weeks recorded spikes in cases among more than two-dozen communities including Cameron, Ganado, Red Mesa and Dilkon. They’re urging people, especially those with preexisting conditions, to abide by daily curfews and weekend lockdowns, avoid crowds and family gatherings, and wear masks. The health advisory will be in effect until officials see a decline in cases and community spread of the virus.

Meanwhile, Navajo Nation health officials Wednesday reported 131 new known cases of COVID-19 and no recent deaths. Confirmed numbers of infections on the reservation have trended upward in recent weeks. The tribe’s Health Department has issued an emergency order implementing a 56-hour curfew for the next two weekends. Navajo officials have issued similar orders for months.

More than 12,000 people on the Navajo Nation have been infected with COVID-19 and 586 have died from the virus.

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