The Navajo Nation has announced a temporary reduction of Executive Branch employees for the next three weeks to prevent the potential spread of the COVID-19 in the community.

The Navajo Nation Department for Self-Reliance is considered an essential direct service and will remain open with a reduced staff but it will be closed to visitors for the next three weeks.

Officials say the Navajo Department for Self-Reliance will continue to process full cash benefit payments for all current customers for the month of April. The closure of Navajo Nation offices, schools and some businesses because of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, will impact work participation requirements.

A news release from the Navajo Nation says the state of emergency declaration means Self- Reliance customers will not be required to comply with work participation requirements for the three-week period.

The decision allows for Navajo customers to also remain at home during the three-week self-imposed quarantine period.