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Stay-at-Home Order Extended to March 8
Stay-at-Home Order effective through March 8, 2021 

Public Health Emergency Order No. 2021-003 is currently in effect for the Navajo Nation through March 8, 2021 with the following provisions:

  • Extends the Stay-At-Home Lockdown which requires all residents to remain at home 24-hours, seven days a week, with the exceptions of essential workers that must report to work, emergency situations, to obtain essential food, medication, and supplies, tend to livestock, outdoor exercising within the immediate vicinity of your home, wood gathering and hauling with a permit.
  • Daily curfew hours from 9:00 p.m. (MST) until 5:00 a.m. (MST) seven days a week.
  • Essential businesses may operate between the hours of 7:00 a.m. (MST) and 8:00 p.m. (MST) daily, including gas stations, grocery stores, convenience stores, hardware stores, laundromats, restaurants, food establishments, banks and similar financial institutions, and hay vendors, provided they comply with provisions outline in the order to help protect employees and the public from COVID-19.
  • Banks and other financial institutions, however, may allow no more than 10 customers inside the bank. Banks may allow one customer per household, with the exception of one accompanying caregiver per customer, or the customer’s spouse, and only if necessary, to conduct business in the bank or financial institution. 
  • Refrain from gathering with individuals from outside your immediate household and requiring all residents to wear a mask in public, avoid public gatherings, maintain social (physical) distancing, remain in your vehicle for curb-side and drive-through services.

Public Health Emergency Order No. 2021-003 is available online at: https://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19
New Variants of the Virus that causes COVID-19

Viruses are constantly changing, and this includes SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These changes happen over time and can lead to new variants that may have different characteristics. Multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been documented in the country. 
 
Currently, there is the UK variant, South Africa variant, and the Brazil variant. These variants seem to spread quicker than other variants, leading to more cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. 
 
The new COVID-19 variants have small changes and can include:

  • Change in onset of symptoms
  • Change in length of illness
  • Could spread faster
  • Possible change in symptoms
  • Change in resistance to vaccinations 

For more information on COVID-19 and other health resources, visit:
How to Wear Double Masks

Wearing a disposable mask under a fabric mask can improve fit and give you better protection against COVID-19.
 
What CDC recommends for mask-wearing 
The CDC has found two ways of improving mask-wearing:
  1. Fitting a cloth mask over a medical mask (double mask)
  2. Putting a knot at the ear loops of a medical mask and tucking in the extra material close to the face

What it means for you
The CDC recommendations show that it is okay to double mask and to adjust your medical mask with knots. Overall, having a tightly fitted mask around your face is more effective than a loose mask.
Avoid Large Gatherings to #StoptheSpread

Throughout the Navajo Nation, citizens are receiving the Hardship Assistance Program and federal stimulus fundings. It is important to avoid large gatherings at banks, post offices, and stores to prevent the infection of COVID-19. 

The more people you interact with at a large gathering (ceremonies, family celebrations, in-person church services, shopping), and the longer the interaction lasts, the higher risk of becoming infected and spreading COVID-19.

Here’s how you can stay safe:

  • Avoid crowded areas 
  • Protect our elders and people with underlying health conditions by wearing a mask and staying at least six feet apart
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Frequently clean and disinfect high-touched surfaces and objects 
  • Discourage handshaking and hugs
  • Avoid food sharing with people you do not live with 
  • Complete errands virtually 

For more information on COVID-19 and other health resources, visit:
NOW, more than ever, it is important to slow the spread 

In the Navajo Nation: 
  • Cases are still high 
  • Our health care workers are tired and need your help 
  • New variants are emerging that spread more easily 
  • More cares = more cases = more deaths 

It is important to practice all preventative measures to slow the spread: 
  • Wear a mask
  • Stay at least 6 feet apart 
  • Do not travel off the Navajo Nation 
  • Get vaccinated when available to you 

For more information on COVID-19 and other health resources, visit: