The Navajo Nation has extended for the second time its state of emergency declaration and government closures to May 17 in an effort to reduce further spread of the new coronavirus.

Its first order, which declared a state of emergency and closed some Navajo Nation government operations, was implemented on March 13. It extended the order on March 31 to expire on April 26, according to a press release from the tribe.

"We’re not letting our guard down — now is not the time. We’re seeing a slight flattening of the curve, but we have to remain vigilant," Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in the press release.

"As the leaders of the Navajo Nation, we are doing everything we can to help save as many lives as possible. Government offices will be closed, but essential personnel will continue their duties and essential government functions will continue."

The Navajo Nation, which spans Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, had 1,206 known cases of COVID-19 and 48 deaths as of Tuesday. More than half of those cases were in Arizona.

The order does not restrict essential personnel from working. It also states that nonessential Navajo Nation government employees would be granted administrative leave during the extended closure.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now warning the public that there could be a second wave of COVID-19 this coming winter, which could be very devastating combined with the regular flu season," said Vice President Myron Lizer in the press release. "So, we need to remain diligent in practicing social distancing and by remaining home as much as possible. Our frontline warriors are out there fighting to protect and heal us, so let’s stay home for them."

The tribe's shelter-in-place order remains in effect until rescinded. It orders residents to limit their movement to essential activities only and requires them to abide by a nightly curfew between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. each day.

The Navajo Nation also has another 57-hour curfew scheduled between 8 p.m. Friday and 5 a.m. Monday.

Aside from essential employees with official identification and people with emergencies, Navajo Nation residents were ordered to stay home during the curfews. Anyone who violates the tribe's curfew order could be issued citations, including a fine up to $1,000 and 30 days in jail, officials previously announced.

Between the first and second weekend-long curfews, more than 350 citations were issued to residents for curfew or traffic violations.

Reach the reporter at chelsea.curtis@arizonarepublic.com or follow her on Twitter @curtis_chels.

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