Navajo Nation reports 5 more COVID-19 cases, 4 more deaths

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation has reported four more COVID-19 related deaths and five new cases as the total number of cases approaches the 30,000 mark since the pandemic began.

The latest numbers released Saturday night pushed the tribe’s pandemic total to 29,998 confirmed cases and 1,233 known deaths.

The Navajo Nation had a soft reopening Monday with 25% capacity for some businesses under certain restrictions.

Still, mask mandates and daily curfews remain.

“When we wear a mask, we are protecting ourselves and showing that we respect the health and safety of others as well,” tribal President Jonathan Nez said in a statement. “Each one of us has an important role in keeping our numbers of COVID-19 cases low. With the spread of variants in this country, the safest place to be is at home here on the Navajo Nation. “

The reservation covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.