The Navajo Nation
Office of the President and Vice President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 10, 2020
43 new cases, 7,335 recoveries, and one more death related to COVID-19 as Navajo Nation sees 85 total new cases in two days
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Saturday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 43 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and one more death. The total number of deaths is now 565 as of Saturday. Reports indicate that 7,335 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 112,261 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 10,675.
Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:
- Chinle Service Unit: 2,458
- Crownpoint Service Unit: 935
- Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,105
- Gallup Service Unit: 1,692
- Kayenta Service Unit: 1,353
- Shiprock Service Unit: 1,627
- Tuba City Service Unit: 1,003
- Winslow Service Unit: 494
* Eight residences with COVID-19 positive cases are not specific enough to place them accurately in a Service Unit.
On Saturday, the state of New Mexico reported 486 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 894 new cases, and Utah reported 1,354.
“The resurgence in new COVID-19 cases on the Navajo Nation and the states of New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona is very troubling and could very well lead to widespread infections as we saw back in April and May. We’ve had 85 total new cases of COVID-19 in two days. We know how to bring the numbers of cases down, but it is an individual choice for every citizen. Our public health experts are working around the clock and they gave us a clear game plan to fight COVID-19. It’s a simple strategy that involves staying home, washing your hands, wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings. Please help to fight this pandemic and save lives,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.
The Navajo Nation’s 57-hour weekend lockdown currently remains in effect until 5:00 a.m. (MDT) on Monday, Oct. 12. A Stay-At-Home Order also remains in effect for the entire Navajo Nation.
“In April and May when our Nation was at the peak of this pandemic, our health care system was put to the test. Our doctors, nurses, and many other workers were working around the clock and exerting resources such as Personal Protective Equipment faster than could be ordered and received. Indian Health Service and tribal health organizations are underfunded year after year. We cannot afford another large surge in COVID-19 cases here on the Navajo Nation. Please make good decisions for yourselves and your loved ones and keep praying for our Nation,” 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.