TSÉHOOTSOOÍ NAHATA’DZIIL NIHI DINE’É BÁ
Medical Center Health Center Wellness Center
Facilities of Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board, JAC.
COVID-19 Federal Public Health Emergency Ends May 11, 2023
FDIHB COVID-19 Policy Changing, Effective Friday, May 12, 2023
The Federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 will end on May 11, 2023. As COVID-19 cases decrease, Fort Defiance Indian Hospital Board, Inc. (FDIHB) is shifting policies and services to align with the end of federal public health orders. FDIHB prioritizes public health in its response to COVID-19, and collaborative efforts have helped us improve our response since three years ago. Although the PHE is ending, COVID will still be with us; however, we can now transition away from the emergency phase.
These changes will take effect on Friday, May 12, 2023 and apply to all FDIHB facilities: Tséhootsooí Medical Center (Fort Defiance, AZ) | Nahata’Dziil Health Center (Sanders, AZ) Nihi Dine’e Bá Wellness Center (Fort Defiance, AZ).
Mask
FDIHB will end mask requirements for patients, visitors and employees on May 12, 2023 and mask will be optional. Individuals receiving clinical care or services with flu-like symptoms will be required to wear a mask within FDIHB facilities.
Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines are available by appointment at Tséhootsooí Medical Center & Nahata’Dziil Health Center Primary Care Clinic and Pediatric Clinic during regular clinic hours.
Screening
FDIHB will end health screening requirements for patients, visitors and employees on May 12, 2023.
Public access to the facility will continue to be limited to main entrances at all facilities and through the Emergency Department at TMC.
Testing
Drive-up COVID Testing will be DISCONTINUED, May 12, 2023 at Tséhootsool Medical Center (TMC) & Nahata’Dziil Health Center (NDHC).
COVID-19 testing will transition availability & services in two phases:
Phase 1: COVID-19 Home Test Kits will be available at the main entrance of TMC & NDHC for individuals with flu-like symptoms. Limited to one test kit per individual (one test “kit” contains two antigen tests).
Phase 2: Individuals with flu-like symptoms can receive testing at outpatient clinics (Primary Care, Pediatrics & Emergency Department), no appointment required, during regular clinic hours.
