Keep wearing masks to fight COVID-19

FARMINGTON — The outgoing president of the Navajo Nation urged tribal members to keep adhering to a mask mandate imposed by health officials early in the pandemic, even if the incoming administration nullifies the policy.

President Jonathan Nez included that message in his office’s regular report on COVID-19 case numbers and deaths, which was issued on Jan. 6.

Byron Shorty, a spokesperson for Navajo Nation President-Elect Dr. Buu Nygren during the transition period, said he had read the release and he knew of no statements issued by the incoming administration on that subject. Shorty said there are many priority issues to be addressed by the new leadership, starting on inauguration day.

Shorty noted that mask and occupancy rules that are in effect will be respected during the inauguration events.

“When the Navajo Department of Health implemented the mask requirement in April 2020, the primary intent was to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ultimately to save lives,” current Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez stated in the news release. “The mask mandate has saved many lives here on the Navajo Nation.”

Then the outgoing leader made a request to his constituents.

“As the Nez-Lizer Administration comes to an end in a few days, we strongly urge our Navajo people to continue to listen to our public health experts and to continue wearing a mask in public places even if the mask mandate is lifted by the incoming administration,” Nez continued. “We have to remember…