Window Rock, Ariz. • The Navajo Nation has lifted its stay-at-home order, but is still encouraging its residents to leave their homes for only emergencies or performing essential activities and errands.
The stay-at-home order was rescinded Sunday, when 24 additional coronavirus cases and zero deaths were reported. The numbers are a vast change from earlier this year, when the tribe had one of the highest per-capita rates of infection in the U.S.
Last week, the tribe released its reopening plan, including letting popular tourist destinations such as Canyon de Chelly welcome back tourists Monday.
Much of the Navajo Nation has been closed since March as the coronavirus swept through the reservation that extends into New Mexico, Utah and Arizona.
The tribe’s plan lets allows hair salons and barber shops to open by appointment only, businesses to operate at 25% of maximum capacity, and the reopening of marinas and parks with safeguards.
In all, 9,400 cases and 480 deaths have been recorded at the Navajo Nation since the pandemic began.
The majority of people who are diagnosed with COVID-19 recover. For some people it causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But for others who contract the virus, especially those who are older or have underlying health conditions, it can cause more severe illness and death.
