UPDATE (August 14, 2020) – A recent public health order has changed references to “risk” to “restriction.” So in this blog post, references to “Moderate Risk” really mean “Moderate Restriction Level.”
SALT LAKE CITY (May 22, 2020) – In close consultation with local health authorities and with the Utah Department of Health, Gov. Gary R. Herbert has approved requests for the municipalities of Bluff and Mexican Hat to transition to Orange, or Moderate Health Risk Status. Both areas are located in San Juan County.
Gov. Herbert issued the following statement:
“Because of difficult conditions in the Navajo Nation and along its borders, we are transitioning the municipalities of Bluff and Mexican Hat from yellow to orange to signal a significant health risk in the area. We very much appreciate working with Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez on efforts to combat COVID-19. Our hearts go out to all of our Navajo friends who have been impacted by this awful virus.”
Utah’s color-coded health guidance for Southeastern Utah does not apply to the current situation on Navajo Nation lands located in Utah, as these are sovereign lands. The State of Utah strongly encourages Utah residents living on tribal lands to follow all tribal health directives. Information on public health orders on Navajo Nation lands can be found here.
The order is effective immediately and can be viewed here.