WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Navajo Nation officials are extending partial weekend lockdowns and daily curfews through September to help control the spread of the coronavirus on the tribe’s reservation in the Four Corners.
The 32-hour weekend lockdowns start at 9 p.m. Saturday and run until 5 a.m. Monday. They were shortened in August from previous versions that began on Fridays.
The current daily curfews run from 9 pm. to 5 a.m.
The current weekend partial shutdown provides the public with time on Saturday to prepare for the winter season by gathering firewood, food, water and other supplies, tribal President Jonathan Nez said in a statement.
However, Nez said the public should continue to avoid traveling to nearby towns and cities on weekends because travel increases the risk of contracting the virus and bringing it home and exposing family members.
“With the Labor Day weekend approaching, we have to remain focused and be diligent to avoid another surge in new COVID-19 cases. Our health care system cannot handle another surge,” Nez said.
All businesses including stores, gas stations, restaurants, drive-thru food establishments and hay vendors are required to cease operations and close during the partial weekend lockdowns and daily curfew hours.
