At this point, more than anything, it is up to the people to fight COVID-19.
As case numbers reach a record high during the Navajo Nation’s second wave, first responders such as the Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Nation Police are doing what they can with limited staff and resources to combat COVID-19 among the Navajo people. Both the Navajo Area IHS and Navajo Police have expressed the strain on resources and employees as they continue to work long hours.
But while these first responders work to prevent COVID-19 or tend to those who are already suffering from the virus, people continue to disregard public health orders of staying home and refraining from any social gathering. “Labor Day we let down,” said President Jonathan Nez as to when COVID cases began to increase again, during his virtual town hall.