WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — According to the Navajo Department of Health and Navajo Area Indian Health Service, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center, the number of positive tests for COVID-19 has reached a total of 214 for the Navajo Nation as of Wednesday. There remains a total of seven confirmed deaths related to COVID-19, as previously reported. 

The 214 cases include the following counties:

Navajo County, AZ: 97

Apache County, AZ: 22                                                                                

Coconino County, AZ: 49

McKinley County, NM: 14

San Juan County, NM: 22

Cibola County, NM: 3

San Juan County, UT: 7

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer are demanding that more test kits and on-site laboratory testing be available on the Navajo Nation, which would increase testing and expedite the processing of results. 

“We’re two weeks into this pandemic and we need many more test kits, we need testing labs in our communities so we can get results much quicker. The public needs to be mindful that these numbers are going to continue to increase if every family, every individual does not follow the advice of health care experts. We’re working around the clock to get the word out, but ultimately, it’s the decision of every individual. Stay home, stay safe, save lives!” said President Nez. 

On Tuesday, President Nez issued another Executive Order extending the closure of the Executive Branch until April 26, except for essential personnel to continue essential services. The order also urged the Navajo Nation Board of Education to close schools on the Navajo Nation for the remainder of the academic year. The Navajo Nation Board of Education voted 8-0 to approve a resolution directing the closure of schools for the rest of the school year. 

“We know that our health care workers and first responders are giving everything they have to fight for all of us! We need everyone to fight for them by staying home as much as possible and practicing social distancing. There’s no doubt that we will beat this virus, but it’s up to all of us whether that’s sooner or later. Our prayers are with all of our Navajo people each day as we continue the fight together,” Vice President Lizer stated. 

The Navajo Nation’s daily curfew remains in effect from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. The curfew does not apply to essential employees reporting to or from duty, with official identification and/or a letter of designation from their essential business employer on official letterhead which includes a contact for verification.

For more information including reports, helpful prevention tips, and more resources, please visit the Navajo Department of Health’s COVID-19 website at http://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. To contact the main Navajo Health Command Operations Center, please call (928) 871-7014.