Coronavirus updates: Weekend curfews on Navajo Nation continue into May

FARMINGTON — The weekend curfews for the Navajo Nation have been extended to the first two weekends in May.

The Navajo Department of Health lengthened the curfews – which start at 8 p.m. Fridays and end at 5 a.m. Mondays – to support efforts to decrease the spread of the novel coronavirus in communities.

The intent and purpose of the public health emergency order issued on April 29 is to restrict movement by residents and limit contact between individuals from May 1 to May 4 and from May 8 to May 11.

"All persons on the Navajo Nation are required to stay home during the weekend curfew and leave their residence or home site areas only in the event of an emergency, to work as an essential employee or for physical exercise," the order states.

It also closes businesses that are not related to health care, government or infrastructure, but allows gas stations and grocery stores to remain open, with limitations.

To adhere with the weekend curfews, transfer stations operated by San Juan County in Upper Fruitland, Shiprock, Sand Springs and Lake Valley will be closed May 2 and May 3.

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Previous public health emergency orders for residents to stay at home, and daily curfews from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., remain in effect, according to the health department.

Noel Lyn Smith covers the Navajo Nation for The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4636 or by email at nsmith@daily-times.com.

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