The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2020

22 new cases, 7,256 recoveries, and one more death related to COVID-19

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Wednesday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 22 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and one more death. The total number of deaths is now 556 as of Wednesday. Reports indicate that 7,256 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 106,867 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 10,355.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 2,399
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 889
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,040
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,640
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,339
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,577
• Tuba City Service Unit: 982
• Winslow Service Unit: 483

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

The Navajo Nation will have a 57-hour weekend lockdown beginning at 8:00 p.m. (MDT) on Friday, Oct. 2 until 5:00 a.m. (MDT) on Monday, Oct. 5. The Stay-At-Home Order also remains in effect for the entire Navajo Nation.

“There is no vaccine or cure for COVID-19, so we have to focus on adhering to the guidelines provided by the public health experts – Navajo Department of Health, Indian Health Service, and Centers for Disease Control. The latest public health emergency order allows for wood gathering and hauling during the 57-hour weekend lockdown, as long as you have a permit and wear masks, limit your group to no more than five people, use hand sanitizer, and practice other safety measures. The states of Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico continue to report high numbers of COVID-19. Please be safe and think of others who have underlying health conditions and please think of our elders. Stay home, wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands, and avoid family gatherings,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Wednesday, the state of New Mexico reported 281 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 323 new cases, and Utah reported 906.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges, but we encourage all of our people to get counted for the 2020 Census. It’s not too late to get counted. It only takes five to 10 minutes to submit your census information and it can be done safely online, by phone, or at any of our food distributions events,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.

The Nez-Lizer Administration distributed food and care packages to 524 families in Kayenta, Ariz. on Wednesday. Census officials were on-site to provide information and to help residents get counted for the 2020 Census. The Nez-Lizer Administration also continues to encourage everyone to get counted for the 2020 Census. You can self-respond by mail, by telephone by calling ‪‪(844) 330-2020, or online at https://2020census.gov‪.

President Nez and Vice President Lizer will host an online town hall on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. (MDT) on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page and live on KTNN 660 AM and 101.5 FM, to provide additional updates on COVID-19.

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/posts/2613691038896423