The Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 18, 2020
69 new cases of COVID-19, two more deaths and 928 recoveries reported
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center, Navajo Area Indian Health Service, and the Tribal Health Organizations reported 69 new cases of COVID-19 for the Navajo Nation. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation has reached 4,071 and the total number of deaths is now 142. Preliminary reports from six health care facilities indicate that approximately 928 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, with more reports still pending. A total of 25,682 COVID-19 tests have been administered with 19,964 negative results.
“The Navajo Nation is testing our citizens at a greater rate per capita than any state in the entire country and that’s a major reason why we have high numbers of positive cases. The Navajo Nation must continue to work together with local, state, and federal partners to stop the spread of COVID-19 by staying home, washing hands, staying at least six-feet apart from others, and by wearing proper personal protection, such as face masks when in public,” said President Nez. “The number of recoveries is increasing, and that gives us hope and strength to keep moving forward. As Navajo people, we have overcome many adversities and we will overcome this as well.”
The Navajo Nation continues to conduct large-scale testing of its residents to help identify and isolate those who are positive. Three Alternative Care Sites are currently being used in Gallup, Shiprock, and Chinle to isolate positive COVID-19 individuals to prevent the spread of the virus.
On Tuesday, the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation will have a COVID-19 testing site at the Tonalea Chapter House parking lot from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for those showing COVID-19 symptoms, those who have been exposed to COVID-19, and those who think they may have the virus, but are not showing symptoms. The general public is asked to wear a protective mask and remain in your vehicle at all times.
“During this difficult time, we must continue to pray for the safety of our first responders, emergency medical technicians, firefighters, police officers, doctors, and nurses, who are at the frontlines every day to combat the virus. Additionally, we commend the Nation’s essential workers and volunteers who work every day to make sure our elders and children get the services and resources they need,” said Vice President 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.