Navajo Nation reports 65 new COVID-19 cases, 1st death in 7 days

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Photo Credit: AP News

The Navajo Nation on Wednesday reported 65 more COVID-19 cases and one death.

It was the first time in seven days that the tribe reported a coronavirus-related death.

The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 34,260 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the pandemic began more than a year ago.

The known death toll now is 1,448.

The tribe’s reservation is the country’s largest at 27,000 square miles (70,000 square kilometers) and it covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.

Navajo officials still are urging people to get vaccinated, wear masks while in public and minimize their travel.

Officials said all Navajo Nation executive branch employees had to be fully vaccinated against the virus by the end of September or submit to regular testing.

The new rules apply to full, part-time, and temporary employees, including those working for tribal enterprises like utilities, shopping centers, and casinos.

Any worker who did not show proof of vaccination by the deadline must be tested every two weeks or face discipline.

Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.