The 24TH NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL
Office of the Speaker

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 30, 2020

Navajo Nation Council airs extensive radio awareness campaign for COVID-19 prevention

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Office of the Speaker and the 24th Navajo Nation Council launched an extensive radio campaign on Friday to reach all regions of the Navajo Nation to urge constituents to follow three main guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The messages are: 1) Stay home and do not travel; 2) Wash hands frequently with soap and fresh water for 20 seconds; and 3) Practice social distancing by putting at least six feet between yourself and others. 

“The three basic guidelines we are sharing get to the heart of ending the spread of COVID-19 among the Navajo people,” said Speaker Seth Damon. “My office has been working around the clock to ensure a solid response by the Legislative Branch of the Navajo Nation reaches the Navajo People. When it comes to the voices of leadership, we know our local Navajo communities respond to council delegates because it is our delegates that are in communities and on the ground day-in and day-out.”

Health, Education, and Human Services Chairman Daniel Tso said, “Each delegate is working at multiple layers of government — the local, state and federal levels — as well as seeking opportunities for food and wood donations. The purpose of these radio forums and campaigns is to reach out to these community members to take their own personal safety onto themselves to protect them and each other.” 

Council delegates will be on the air giving extensive coverage of prevention practices in addition to warning communities of the dangers that the first-of-the-month shopping rush poses to public health and safety. On Wednesday, Apr. 1, members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council will be on the air at KNDN radio from 3:30-5:00PM to provide important information on the COVID-19 pandemic. Delegates will also be stressing the importance of keeping shopping trips short and to send only one person, if available, to buy groceries or essential items.

“During this time of global pandemic, there is only one message Navajo leaders should be focused on sending out to our communities. For the Navajo Nation Council, that message is that every Navajo person has the power to change the progression of this very harmful virus,” said Council Delegate Thomas Walker, Jr. “The Navajo Nation Council has been giving information to local chapter communities from the beginning of this ordeal, and we’ll continue to be pushing forward to gain support for our people.”

As of Monday, partnerships were established by the Office of the Speaker with four regional media companies and sister stations that span more than 13 call signs across the entire Navajo Nation. This vital investment in public awareness will further the Navajo Nation’s efforts in warding off the most extreme effects of the contagion curve associated with COVID-19.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, coughing and shortness of breath. More information regarding COVID-19 can be found by going online to www.cdc.govor www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov. The public is advised to monitor for symptoms and to follow the guidelines set out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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