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Top Navajo leaders quarantine as tribe prepares for curfew

Posted at 12:38 PM, Apr 11, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-11 15:38:43-04

Two leaders of the largest Native American reservation in the U.S. are in self-quarantine as the coronavirus outbreak sweeps across the Navajo Nation.

The tribe has recorded nearly 600 cases of the new coronavirus and 22 deaths among Navajos who live on the reservation that spans parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

Navajo President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer quarantined themselves as a precaution after being in close proximity with a first responder who later tested positive.

The tribe is imposing a weekend-long curfew that begins Friday evening.

Violations could result in a fine up to $1,000 or jail time.