The Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2020

78 new cases and three more deaths related to COVID-19 reported

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Department of Health in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 78 new cases of COVID-19 and a total of 52 deaths for the Navajo Nation as of Thursday. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation has reached 1,360, which includes 642 men and 718 women with an average age of 48-years-old. There is a total of 6,473 negative test results.  

The 1,360 confirmed positive cases on the Navajo Nation include the following counties:

• Navajo County, AZ: 350
• Apache County, AZ: 287
• Coconino County, AZ: 229
• McKinley County, NM: 296
• San Juan County, NM: 135
• Cibola County, NM: 14
• San Juan County, UT: 19
• Socorro County, NM: 17
• Sandoval County, NM: 13

The Navajo Epidemiology Center has validated a daily decrease of COVID-19 cases, however the Nation has not reached its peak of overall positive cases. There are currently seven Navajo Nation Public Health Emergency Orders to reduce the spread of COVID-19, which is a contributing factor for the daily decrease of cases. The orders include a Nation-wide shelter-in-place, limiting large gatherings, a daily curfew from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., a 57-hour weekend curfew during the month of April, and mandating all individuals on the Navajo Nation to wear face masks.

On Thursday, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Lizer led a massive distribution of care packages, food supplies, and fire wood to approximately 250 members of the Navajo Nation who reside in the remote area of Jeddito, Ariz., to help families, elderly people, and high-risk residents with essential items during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“The proactive measures that we’ve put in place are working to slow down the virus, so let’s keep it up. During this pandemic, we need to remember that we are all related in one way or another and we should help one another and that includes holding each other accountable. We have a Nation-wide shelter-in-place order, but we can’t be everywhere to ensure compliance by the people. If you have a family member or relative who isn’t staying home, unless it’s to purchase essential items, then please tell them to comply. We are doing our very best to save lives and stop the spread of the virus,” said President Nez, adding that Jeddito was selected based on need-assessments and advisement from Community Health Representatives and health care experts.

On Friday, the Navajo Nation’s 57-hour weekend curfew is set to begin at 8:00 p.m. and last until Monday at 5:00 a.m. This is the third weekend-long curfew that the Navajo Department of Health has implemented to keep people home to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The only exceptions are for essential workers and in cases of emergency. 

“We are seeing good signs that the virus is beginning to slow, but we need to keep our guard up and continue staying home as much as possible. Last weekend, we have over 100 citations issued for curfew violators. Let’s strive to improve this number by complying with the curfew and holding our family and friends accountable. President Nez and I are praying for all of our people each day, especially for those who have contracted the virus and for the families who have lost loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,” Vice President Lizer stated. 

President Nez and Vice President Lizer extend their appreciation to the majority of Navajo citizens who are complying with the Navajo Nation orders. Most importantly, the Administration thanks the doctors, nurses, first responders, and public safety officers, who serve on the front lines.

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.