The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2020

18 new cases, 7,250 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Sunday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 18 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and three more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 555 as of Sunday. Reports indicate that 7,250 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 104,884 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 10,290, which includes three additional cases that were previously unreported due to delayed reporting from health care facilities.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 2,385
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 875
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,015
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,636
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,338
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,577
• Tuba City Service Unit: 975
• Winslow Service Unit: 483

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

On Sunday, the state of Utah reported 1,068 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 412 new cases, and New Mexico reported 159. The Navajo Nation’s 57-hour weekend lockdown remains in effect until Monday, Sept. 28, at 5:00 a.m. (MDT).

“Throughout this COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve relied on the advice of the health experts along with the data and the facts. Right now, the data and investigations conducted by contact tracers indicate that our Navajo people are holding family gatherings, which is leading to cluster cases among relatives. We have to continue listening to the experts to reduce the spread of the virus. We can tell the people over and over, but ultimately every person is responsible for their decisions and consequences. Stay home, wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands, and avoid family gatherings,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Sunday, the Office of the President and Vice President and the Health Command Operations Center hosted a live online and radio town hall on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page, KGAK 1330 AM, and KNDN 960 AM to provide more updates from health experts regarding the COVID-19 outbreaks and preventative measures.

“Thank you to all of our doctors, nurses, EMT’s, police officers, firefighters, and many others who are sacrificing time away from their families to help save lives and put themselves at risk for others. Prayer is very important during these challenging times. We will overcome this pandemic together,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.

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.

https://www.facebook.com/NezLizer2018/photos/a.1845200979078770/2611036509161876/?type=3&theater