Navajo Nation lifts some COVID restrictions on reservation

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez signed legislation Tuesday to rescind an order that closed the reservation to outside visitors.

It lifts several COVID-19 restrictions that will allow tribal parks to reopen at 50% capacity with safety protocols in place as early as Thursday and also allow schools to eventually reopen under a required safety plan.

The Navajo Department of Health will issue a new Public Health Emergency Order on Wednesday, outlining safety protocols and requirements for reopening.

The mask mandate remains in effect for the entire Navajo Nation. The tribe’s vast reservation covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.