Skip to primary navigation Skip to content Skip to footer

COVID-19 Protocol

Mask Mandate Lifted

PUBLIC HEALTH ORDER
NAVAJO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
WITH THE
OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND PROTECTION PROGRAM
January 20, 2023

Public Health Emergency Order No. 2023-001
Lifting the Indoor Mask Mandate for the General Public and for all Businesses

I. Paragraphs I- III from Public Health Emergency Order No. 2020-004 are included in this Public Health Order, addressing the varous Navajo Nation (Nation) authorities related to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.

II. The intent and purpose of this Public Health Emergency Order No. 2029-001 is to lift the indoor mask mandate for all general public and all businesses, except:

    1. Early childhood education (i.e., childcare and preschool), primary schools and secondary schools (including school sponsored events held indoors). Schools shall continue to complv with the COVID-19 Safe School Framework and their respective mitigation plans.
    2. Nursing Homes located within the Navajo Natior and individuals who provide care to the vulnerable population (i.e., elders, immunocompromised and those who have pre-existing conditions).
    3. Healthcare facilities who require masks pursuant to their individual guidelines, procedures and protocols.
    4. Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms; who tested positive for COVID-19;or who have been exposed to an individual who tested positive for COVID-19. Recommendations listed below, Section Id)-(f).

III. Basedon the current information and data analysis of the three-core metrics by physicians, the Navajo Epidemiology Center and relevant stakeholders, the currentrisk for infection is low which allows for the issuance of this Public Health Emergency Order No. 2023-001, lifting the indoor mask mandate. This past week (January 12-18, 2023), the Navajo Nation has encountered 81 cases with a -7 day incidence rate of 51 cases per 100,000 people. The core metric measurement of hospital beds is at 1.8%; 3.27 admissions per 100,000 peop e as of January 18, 2023, which is classified as low risk.

THEREFORE, NOTICE IS GIVEN, pursuant to the power and authorities set forth under the NDOH enabling legislation ( N C Resolution Nc. CO-50-14), and the Navajo Nation Public Health State of Emergency Declaration (CEM Resolution No. 20-03-11):

I. The indoor mask mandate is no longer required within the Navajo Nation for the general public and all businesses, except:

  1. Early childhood education (i.e., childcare and preschool), primary schools andsecondary schools (including school sponsored events held indoors). Schools shall continue to comply with the COVID-19 Safe School Framework a n d their respective mitigation plans
  2. Nursing Homes located within the Navajo Nation and individuals who provide care to the vulnerable population (i.e., elders, immunocompromised and those who havepre-existing conditions).
  3. Healthcare facilities who require masks pursuant to their individual guidelines, procedures and protocols.
  4. Individuals with COVID symptoms (for 10 days from when your symptoms start).
  5. Individuals who test positive for COVID (for 10 days after receiving a positive test).
  6. If you have been exposed to a person who tested positive for COVID (for 10 days after you have contact with a person who has COVID.

II. Mask is defined as a facial covering designed to filter one’s breathing thraugh both the nose and mouth. A mask must snugly cover the face around the nose and mouth to prevent the wearer from breathir g unfiltered air. May be a commercially-made face mask, or a homemade cloth covering such as those found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/masks.html

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that this Order shall not abrogate any disease- reporting requirements (consistent with HIPAA privacy standards).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that it is greatly advised thai the public take the following preventive precautions to protect against COVID -19 and other respira:ory viruses:

  1. Avoid contact with people who are sick and avoid crowded areas.
  2. Continue washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place. fI soap and water are not available, ti is recommended ot use hand sanitizer, preferably hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  3. Clean and disinfect your home and surroundings to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces.
  4. Children (age 6 months and older) and the vulnerable population are highly encouraged to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations and subsequent boosters.
  5. All individuals are encouraged to be vaccinated and receive any additional boosters for COVID-19. In order to protect to yourself and others the Nation encourages all individuals to stay up to date with all vaccinations recommended by health professionals.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that this Order shall take effect Friday, January 23, 2023 at 5:00 P.M. (MST) and shall remain in effect until a revised notice is issued through a Public Health Emergency Order.

ADDITIONAL ADVISORIES AND ORDERS WILL FOLLOW AS CONDITIONS WARRANT. TI SI SO ORDERED ON THIS 20TH DAY OF JANUARY, 2023.

 

Public Health Emergency Order No. 2023-001 Lifting the Indoor Mask Mandate for the General Public and for all Businesses