Navajo Nation reports 22 more COVID-19 cases, 3 more deaths

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Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey puts a face-covering back on after speaking about the latest coronavirus data at a news conference Thursday, June 25, 2020, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, Pool)

Navajo Nation health officials on Tuesday reported 22 more confirmed cases of COVID-19 and three additional known deaths.

The total of infected tribal members on the vast reservation now stands at 8,639 with 425 known deaths.

Health officials also said 74,045 people have been tested and 6,437 have recovered from the coronavirus.

Residents of the reservation that extends into Arizona, New Mexico and Utah have been under a mandate to wear masks when out in public.

The tribe also has daily, nighttime curfews and weekend lockdowns that include the closure of businesses.

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said officials are working on an order that would require residents who travel to areas known as hot spots for coronavirus infections to quarantine for 14 days when they return to the reservation.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

But for some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

Republished with permission of the Associated Press.