Navajo Nation prepares for YELLOW status Monday

The Navajo Department of Health continues to evaluate daily cases and other data to assess the reopening of flea markets, roadside markets, and youth programs. Under “Yellow Status,” gyms, recreation facilities, and movie theaters are not allowed to reopen.

From the office of Navajo President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer

Sunday, April 25, 2021

On Monday, April 26, the Navajo Nation will transition to “Yellow Status” in accordance with Public Health Emergency Order No. 2021-009 issued by the Navajo Department of Health. Provisions under “Yellow Status” include the following:

• Restaurants may provide indoor dining at 25% of maximum occupancy
• Marinas and parks are allowed to open at 25% of maximum occupancy to Navajo Nation residents, citizens and employees only
• Tour businesses must follow the HCOC Reopening Guidelines for Tour Businesses.
• Museums are allowed to open at 25% of maximum occupancy
• 50% of maximum occupancy allowed for most businesses
• Restaurants and Dining facilities: drive-thru and curb-side permissible
• Restaurants with permanent outdoor dining may provide outdoor dining at 50% of maximum occupancy, as long as social distancing between tables is enforced
• Restaurants without permanent outdoor dining are allowed up to 10 outdoor tables (max 4 persons per table), as long as social distancing between tables is enforced
• Personal Care and Services: service by appointment only and allow time for cleaning between appointments
• Casinos and video poker: Navajo casinos are allowed to open at 50% of maximum occupancy to Navajo Nation residents, citizens and employees only

“We have to keep taking all precautions and keep pushing back on the virus by staying home as much as possible, avoiding large in-person gatherings, wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands often. Over half of the adult population on the Navajo Nation has been vaccinated, but to reach herd immunity we need more people to get vaccinated. The great work being done by our frontline health care workers is being recognized nationally and rightfully so. We cannot thank our frontline warriors enough for everything they are sacrificing on a daily basis to protect our people and to save lives. Please help them by continuing to take all precautions and staying safe,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

The Navajo Department of Health continues to evaluate daily cases and other data to assess the reopening of flea markets, roadside markets, and youth programs. Under “Yellow Status,” gyms, recreation facilities, and movie theaters are not allowed to reopen.

“The pandemic has led to many challenges, but it is also making us stronger and giving us a renewed appreciation for our blessings in life. We have to continue to pray for more strength every day and keep supporting one another. We are in this together and we are overcoming this pandemic day by day,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.

Under a separate order, Public Health Emergency Order No. 2021-010, the Navajo Department of Health allows gatherings, including traditional ceremonies, of 15 or fewer people with face masks and social distancing required. Churches are allowed gatherings provided that 50% or less of maximum occupancy be allowed in any enclosed space with masks and social distancing enforced. Drive-thru gatherings of up to 50 vehicles are permitted during non-curfew hours while requiring individuals to remain in their vehicles, to wear masks, and do not have person-to-person contact between individuals in separate vehicles. The order also revises the daily curfew to 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (MDT) for the entire Navajo Nation.

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.