WINDOW ROCK — Prayers are being called for by Navajo Nation leaders as their communities have been particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 health crisis. The Nation’s case count reached 558 on Thursday – an increase of 70 positive cases since Wednesday, according to the Navajo Department of Health.
During a live online town hall update on Thursday, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez announced that he and Vice President Myron Lizer are currently self-quarantined due to being in close proximity on Tuesday, to a first responder who later learned they tested positive for COVID-19. In every visit to communities during the pandemic, they each took precautionary measures by wearing gloves and masks. They say they “are feeling healthy and doing fine.”
On Wednesday, President Nez, First Lady Phefelia Nez, Vice President Lizer, and Second Lady Dottie Lizer issued a proclamation declaring April 10-13, 2020, as “Navajo Nation Family Prayer Weekend,” in observance of Good Friday and Easter. According to the Nation’s leaders, the declaration encourages families to pray together for family members, neighbors, health care workers, governing officials, and those who are sick, and the families who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation.
“It has been a heartbreaking and challenging month for our Navajo people as Dikos Nstaaígíí-19, COVID-19, has spread among our communities. As we approach the 57-hour weekend curfew, we ask all of our Diné people to join us in prayer for the victims of the virus and their families, and the health of our communities,” said President Nez in a Facebook post. “Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus from the tomb on the third day after his crucifixion.”
The proclamation also recognizes “the adversities and sacrifices our people make serving their families and their Nation; those who are researching the COVID-19 coronavirus, the law enforcement officers, firefighters, first responders, the military, and all who dedicate their service for our safety.”
“For many of us, prayer is an important expression of faith, love, and hope. It is an act of worship, and it offers healing, guidance, and comfort. Through prayer, we find the strength to overcome challenges and heartache. Prayers reminds us that we are not alone and that we are all children of God,” said Vice President Lizer in the Facebook post. “Also, we ask for everyone to continue to pray for our local health care providers, law enforcement, and first responders who are combating the virus at the front lines.”
The proclamation also states, “the religious faith of the Navajo People is strong and guided us through many adversities as a Nation and as individuals.”
“The Navajo people have endured many hardships and sacrifices throughout history, but we continue to stand strong with our faith, prayers, and teachings of our elders. As resilient people, we know our prayers are heard and answered. This weekend, may our beliefs and values bring us together and plant the seeds of hope and restoration,” added President Nez.
“No one is immune from COVID-19. You may be young and in good health, but this virus can infect anyone. This is not to be taken lightly. The good news is that the majority of people are testing negative for COVID-19, but the gap is getting smaller every day and that will continue until everyone adheres to the stay at home order and the Nation-wide curfew. Let’s not lose hope, but let’s face the reality that this virus is going to be around for several more months and we have to deal with it by making smart decisions and with prayer,” said President Nez.
The situation is desperate, prompting the Nation’s latest Public Health Order implementing a 57-hour curfew will take effect on Friday at 8:00 p.m. until Monday at 5:00 a.m., except for essential employees who are required to have documentation from their employer. Navajo Police will strictly enforce the curfew order by issuing citations that may include a fine up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail.