The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 31, 2020

1,840 recoveries, 98 new cases of COVID-19, and five more deaths reported as “Operation First of the Month” 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 98 new cases of COVID-19 for the Navajo Nation and five more deaths. The total number of deaths has reached 246 as of Sunday. Preliminary reports from nine health care facilities indicate that approximately 1,840 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, with more reports still pending. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation has reached 5,348.

Navajo Nation cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 1,392
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 520
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 287
• Gallup Service Unit: 888
• Kayenta Service Unit: 813
•  Shiprock Service Unit: 862
• Tuba City Service Unit: 452
• Winslow Service Unit: 103

*31 residences are not specific enough to place them accurately in a Service Unit

“As we approach the end of May, let’s remain diligent and stay home and stay safe to minimize the spread of the coronavirus in our Nation. Tomorrow is also the first day of June, and many Navajo elders will be shopping for essential items, such as groceries, household items, and livestock supplies. Please take care of yourself and our precious elders. Adults 65 and older and individuals who have severe chronic medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease, and diabetes, are at higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. 

The Nez-Lizer team, with coordination from the Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development, announced that all Bashas’ Diné Markets on the Navajo Nation would offer special shopping hours from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on June 1, specifically for elders to purchase essential items to help reduce the exposure of COVID-19.

Additionally, the Navajo Nation Division of Social Services and Navajo Health Command Operations Center will be at each location and distribute information on COVID-19 prevention, and homemade masks for elders. There will also be law enforcement presence to help regulate the flow of traffic. 

 “During this difficult time, we ask our citizens to practice preventative measures to minimize COVID-19 exposure. Do not forget to take a face mask, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant products when you leave your home. Remember to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others and allow elders and others at high risk of severe illness to move up in shopping lines to lessen their exposure of COVID-19. Also, take the time to clean your hands and items you have brought home,” 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 primary Navajo Health Command Operations Center, please call (928) 871-6855.

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