Navajo Nation reports 24 new COVID-19 cases, but no deaths

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Sunday reported 24 new COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s total to 32,528 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The known death total remained at 1,403. Tribal health officials reported 35 new cases and three deaths Saturday. The Navajo Nation reservation is the country’s largest at 27,000 square miles (70,000 square kilometers) and it covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. Tribal President Jonathan Nez has said all Navajo Nation executive branch employees will need to be fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19 by the end of September or be required to submit to regular testing. The new rules apply to full, part-time and temporary employees.