On the morning of April 12, 2020, the Navajo Nation wrapped up an unprecedented 57-hour curfew on the largest reservation in the United States.
Tribal leaders imposed the curfew in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus in their communities in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. First responders made sure residents complied.
“Throughout the weekend, our Nation’s law enforcement officers and our partner programs, have been working on Public Service Announcement checkpoints and curfew saturation enforcement in addition to answering emergency calls,” an April 12 post on social media read. “They had tremendous support from local businesses, who provided lunch for our officers and our officers even made a little time to give back and show our appreciation to our health care workers who also continue to work hard everyday.”
“We appreciate everyone who has been doing their part and complying with the Navajo Public Health Orders as we work together to get through this. Please join us in thanking all of our heroes who are on the frontlines everyday helping to fight COVID-19! Ahe’hee’” the post concluded.
The curfew coincided with a Family Prayer Weekend on the Navajo Nation. Tribal leaders held a special service on Easter Sunday to thank citizens for working together to defeat the coronavirus.
“Although it may be hard to be away from our families, friends, and congregations during this celebration, we must continue to practice social distancing to stop the spread of the Dikos Nstaaígíí-19,” a post on social media read.
The Navajo Nation will release updated COVID-19 figures on April 13, 2020.