Window Rock, Ariz. – The Navajo Department of Health issued two new Public Health Emergency Orders on Aug. 19, updating the mask mandate for outdoors, updating gathering limits, declaring “medium risk” for the Navajo Nation, and guidelines for schools and businesses. Under Public Health Emergency Order No. 2022-007: · All individuals on the Navajo Nation two years of age and older shall wear masks while indoors. Masks are only required outdoors when individuals are less than six feet from each other. Under Public Health Emergency Order No. 2022-008: · All businesses are permitted to operate at 100% maximum capacity and must continue to comply with the Navajo Health Command Operations Center guidelines for businesses. Further details for business requirements are available online at: https://ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. · All schools shall limit gatherings to 50 or fewer persons for non-classroom instruction events such as back-to-school, orientations, and other community gatherings. · All schools shall limit sports event attendance to 50% of maximum occupancy for indoor seating areas and 75% of maximum occupancy for outdoor seating areas, and must be consistent with the Navajo Health Command Operations Center guidelines for school sporting events. · Fair events are allowed at 50% of maximum occupancy for indoor seating areas and 75% of maximum occupancy for outdoor seating areas, and must be consistent with the Navajo Health Command Operations Center guidelines. The Navajo Health Command Operations Center encourages COVID-19 vaccine verification of attendees by event administrators. · Gyms, wellness centers, and recreation facilities will be allowed at 50% of maximum occupancy or less dependent on six-feet physical distancing. · In-person meetings and trainings are permitted at 50% of maximum occupancy for indoor seating areas. · Gathering limits of 50 or fewer persons for social gatherings, traditional ceremonies, youth programs, and holiday gatherings. · Churches and other houses of worship are permitted at 50% of maximum occupancy for indoor seating areas. · Gathering limit of 50 or fewer persons for outdoor recreational events including walks, runs, bike rides, motorcycle events and similar events. For more information and further details, please view the new Public Health Emergency Orders online at: https://ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. Health care facilities on the Navajo Nation continue to administer COVID-19 vaccines. If you would like to receive one of the COVID-19 vaccines, please contact your health care provider and schedule an appointment. For more information, including helpful prevention tips, and resources to help stop the spread of COVID-19, visit the Navajo Department of Health's COVID-19 website: http://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. For COVID-19 related questions and information, call (928) 871-7014.
