The Navajo Nation announced Friday that its lifting its mask mandate. New Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren made the announcement, with Navajo Department of Health and Speaker Pro Tem of the Navajo Nation Council Otto Tso, that the mask mandate was lifted at 5 p.m. The order does leave the continued wearing of masks optional for the general public and for all businesses with four exceptions. The exceptions are for early childhood education, primary and secondary schools, nursing homes, healthcare facilities and those who have COVID-19 symptoms, test positive or were exposed. President Nygren said in a statement: “it’s time for the Navajo people to get back to work.” He adds, “it’s time for them to be able to open their chapter houses to conduct local business and to receive services they are asking for and deserve.” The mask mandate was in effect on the Navajo Nation for 1,007 days, which spans nearly three years. As the mandate is lifted, Nygren says “be responsible. Mask up if you tested positive, or if you take a rapid test or notice symptoms or have been exposed.” Nygren adds, “we, as a nation, are much more aware and much more prepared than in April of 2020.” Friday’s order delivers a full reopening of the Navajo Nation.
To read the entire statement, click here:
