WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Nation on Thursday reported 49 more COVID-19 cases and five additional deaths.
It was the second consecutive day that the tribe reported at least one coronavirus-related death after going six days in a row with no additional deaths.
The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 34,309 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the pandemic began more than a year ago.
The known death toll now is 1,453.
Navajo officials still are urging people to get vaccinated, wear masks while in public and minimize their travel.
All Navajo Nation executive branch employees had to be fully vaccinated against the virus by the end of September or submit to regular testing. The new rules apply to full, part-time and temporary employees, including those working for tribal enterprises like utilities, shopping centers and casinos. Any worker who did not show proof of vaccination by the deadline must be tested every two weeks or face discipline.
The tribe’s reservation is the country’s largest at 27,000 square miles and it covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
