The Navajo Nation
Office of the President and Vice President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 9, 2020
70 new positive cases of COVID-19, two more deaths reported
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The total number of positive tests for COVID-19 has reached 558 for the Navajo Nation as of Thursday – an increase of 70 positive cases since Wednesday, according to the Navajo Department of Health and Navajo Area Indian Health Service, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center. The report also includes 2,381 total negative test results as of Thursday. There is now a total of 22 confirmed deaths related to COVID-19.
The 558 confirmed positive cases include the following counties:
- Navajo County, AZ: 222
- Apache County, AZ: 59
- Coconino County, AZ: 124
- McKinley County, NM: 53
- San Juan County, NM: 79
- Cibola County, NM: 9
- San Juan County, UT: 10
- Socorro County, NM: 2
During a live online town hall update on Thursday, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez announced that he and Vice President Myron Lizer are currently self-quarantined due to being in close proximity on Tuesday, to a first responder who later learned they tested positive for COVID-19. In every visit to communities during the pandemic, they each took precautionary measures by wearing gloves and masks. They are feeling healthy and doing fine.
“No one is immune from COVID-19. You may be young and in good health, but this virus can infect anyone. This is not to be taken lightly. The good news is that the majority of people are testing negative for COVID-19, but the gap is getting smaller every day and that will continue until everyone adheres to the stay at home order and the Nation-wide curfew. Let’s not lose hope, but let’s face the reality that this virus is going to be around for several more months and we have to deal with it by making smart decisions and with prayer,” said President Nez.
“Thank you to all of those that are fighting COVID-19 on the front lines, and to their families for understanding their tireless work. Everyone must remember that when non-essential employees stay home, they are relieving those that are caring for our relatives with COVID-19. Together, we have the collective power to stop the spread of the disease. Please stay home if you are not an essential employee and please remember to pray. The upcoming weeks are going to be even more challenging and we need everyone to support one another,” said Vice President Lizer.
On Wednesday, the leaders issued a proclamation declaring April 10-13, 2020, as “Navajo Nation Family Prayer Weekend,” in observance of Good Friday and Easter and to encourage families to pray together for family members, neighbors, health care workers, governing officials, and those who are sick, and the families who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation.
The Nation’s latest Public Health Order implementing a 57-hour curfew will take effect on Friday at 8:00 p.m. until Monday at 5:00 a.m., except for essential employees who are required to have documentation from their employer. Navajo Police will strictly enforce the curfew order by issuing citations that may include a fine up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail.
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.