The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 25, 2020

26 new cases, 7,248 recoveries, and one more death related to COVID-19 as 57-hour weekend lockdown set to begin

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Friday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 26 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and one more death. The total number of deaths is now 552 as of Friday. Reports indicate that 7,248 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 104,569 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 10,237.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 2,379
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 858
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,010
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,634
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,337
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,567
• Tuba City Service Unit: 963
• Winslow Service Unit: 483

* Six residences with COVID-19 positive cases are not specific enough to place them accurately in a Service Unit.

On Friday, the state of Utah reported 1,411 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 518 new cases, and New Mexico reported 263. The Navajo Nation will have a 57-hour weekend lockdown beginning on Friday, Sept. 25, at 8:00 p.m. until Monday, Sept. 28, at 5:00 a.m. (MDT). The daily curfew will continue from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on weekdays.

Reports continue to indicate that COVID-19 outbreaks are occurring within the Sage Memorial Hospital service area in Arizona and within satellite chapters in the Eastern Navajo Agency in New Mexico. Within two days, the Nation reported 70 new COVID-19 cases, a significant increase from last week.

“This is going to be the new normal, upward, and downward trend in new cases, as long as we don’t have a safe vaccine available. All of us have to use good judgment and think of our elders, children, and those with underlying conditions. The Navajo Police will be visible this weekend to enforce the 57-hour weekend lockdown. Still, it is ultimately a personal responsibility to make the right decisions for yourselves and your loved ones. Stay home as much as possible, wear a mask, wash your hands, practice social distancing, and avoid gatherings,” said President Nez.

On Friday, the Nez-Lizer Administration distributed food items and essential supplies to 350 families at Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort. Census officials were on-site to help residents self-respond for the 2020 Census.

“We have to encourage one another and build our spirits up to continue fighting strongly against this pandemic. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and we will overcome this virus through prayer and diligence. Please continue to pray for our Navajo people, including our frontline warriors,” said Vice President Lizer.

The Office of the President and Vice President and the Health Command Operations Center will host a live online and radio town hall on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page, KGAK 1330 AM, and KNDN 960 AM on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1:00 p.m. (MDT), regarding the COVID-19 outbreaks and preventative measures.

For more information, including helpful prevention tips, and resources to help stop the spread of COVID-19, visit the Navajo Department of Health’s COVID-19 website: http://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. For COVID-19 related questions and information, call (928) 871-7014.