The Navajo National is instituting a travel ban through reservation lands this weekend/NPS map

In a bid to halt an uptick in coronavirus cases, the Navajo Nation in Arizona has issued a stay at home order for this weekend and asked that visitors not travel through the reservation that runs next to the eastern border of Grand Canyon National Park.

"The Navajo Nation is experiencing a rise in positive COVID-19 cases, including over 40 confirmed positive cases in the Sage Memorial Hospital service area and close to a dozen positive cases in the satellite chapters in the Eastern Navajo Agency," a Navajo Nation press release said. "These cluster cases are a direct result of family gatherings and off-Reservation travel. They also have the potential to lead to an outbreak and another surge in cases on the Navajo Nation."

The 57-hour weekend lockdown across the Navajo lands runs from 8 p.m. MDT Friday night until 5 a.m. MDT Monday.

Visitors are required to refrain from traveling to the Navajo Nation at this time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “COVID-19 cases and deaths have been reported in all 50 states, and the situation is constantly changing. Because travel increases your chances of getting infected and spreading COVID-19, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick.” -- Navajo Department of Health

Highways that pass through the reservation en route to the national park include U.S. 89 and U.S. 89T between Page, Arizona, and the park's east entrance, and Arizona 64 between Cameron, Arizona, and the park's east entrance.

At this time, however, the east entrance to the park at Desert View, the Desert View Watchtower area and campground are closed due to the pandemic. Travelers must use the south entrance near the town of Tusayan, Arizona, to enter and exit the park.