Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer have self-quarantined after possible exposure to COVID-19.
The two leaders say they were in close proximity to a first responder who later tested positive at a town hall event Tuesday. Nez and Lizer each say they’re feeling fine and are in quarantine as a precaution.
“This is real and no one is immune from contracting the virus,” said Pres. Nez in a press release. “We will continue to help fight for our people while we self-quarantine – this is a precautionary measure. While meeting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Arizona National Guard, we came into contact with several first responders, one of whom later tested positive for the virus. I’ve been informed that the officials with the Army Corps and National Guard are also self-quarantining to be on the safe side and are doing fine. Our prayers are always with our first responders and many others who are impacted by the virus.”
The president and vice president have made several visits to communities during the pandemic and say each time they wore gloves and masks and took precautionary measures. Several Navajo Nation employees were also told to self-quarantine. Nez and Lizer will continue their duties through teleconference, email and other communication methods.
A 57-hour curfew will in effect on the Navajo Nation from Friday to Monday in an attempt to halt the spread of coronavirus. The tribe has reported 488 known cases and 20 known deaths.
