WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Nation on Wednesday reported 49 new COVID-19 cases and one additional death.
It was the tribe’s first reported coronavirus-related fatality in the last four days.
The latest numbers pushed the Navajo Nation’s total to 32,650 cases since the pandemic began more than a year ago and 1,404 known deaths.
Tribal President Jonathan Nez has said all Navajo Nation executive branch employees will need to be fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19 by the end of September or be required to submit to regular testing.
The new rules apply to full, part-time and temporary employees, including those working for tribal enterprises such as utilities, shopping centers and casinos.
Any worker who does not show proof of vaccination by Sept. 29 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.
