The Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2020

119 new cases of COVID-19 and eight more deaths reported as 57-hour weekend curfew is set to take effect

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Department of Health in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 119 new cases of COVID-19 for the Navajo Nation and a total of 96 deaths as of Friday. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation has reached 2,876. A total of 17,858 COVID-19 tests have been administered with 13,426 negative test results.

The 2,876 confirmed positive cases on the Navajo Nation include the following counties:

• McKinley County, NM: 787
• Apache County, AZ: 739
• Navajo County, AZ: 609
• Coconino County, AZ: 314
• San Juan County, NM: 295
• San Juan County, UT: 49
• Socorro County, NM: 26
• Cibola County, NM: 33
• Bernalillo County: 3
• Sandoval County, NM: 21

On Friday, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, Executive Branch employees, chapter officials, and Community Health Representatives distributed food, water, and much-needed supplies to families in the remote communities of Hard Rock, Forest Lake, and Black Mesa. By providing families with essential items, they are able to remain home rather than having to go into public to purchase items.

“The only way we’re going to get through the COVID-19 pandemic is by unifying our efforts and working together and that’s what we’re doing when we collaborate with chapters and others to get food, water, and other supplies to families. Today, we saw a lot of elders that live in rural areas and we were able to give them the supplies they need to stay home and stay safe so that they don’t have to go into public and put themselves at risk of the virus. During this weekend’s curfew, we ask everyone to abide by the curfew and stay home!,” said President Nez.

“With Mother’s Day weekend upon us, let’s use this time to pray for all mothers, grandmothers, and caretakers who have given so much of themselves for their children and others. In our families, the mothers and grandmothers are the foundation and the source of strength for us throughout our lives. We wish all of you a Happy Mother’s Day. Please be safe,” President Nez added.

Since the Nez-Lizer administration began the distribution events two weeks ago, approximately 4,500 families have received food, water, fire wood, protective masks, sanitizer and cleaning products, pet food, and other essential items.

“On Navajo Nation Police Officer Day, we give thanks to all of our Navajo Police Officers. Unfortunately, several officers have tested positive for COVID-19 and our prayers are with them so they can fully recover and continue protecting our communities once again. Navajo Area IHS indicates that the Navajo Nation would reach its peak in COVID-19 cases in mid-May, so let’s remain strong and have faith that we will overcome this pandemic and be resilient like our ancestors,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.

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. 

https://www.facebook.com/NezLizer2018/photos/a.1814068968858638/2494293787502816/?type=3&theater