The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 16, 2020

38 new cases, 7,362 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19 as Navajo Nation’s 56-hour weekend lockdown begins

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 38 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nationand no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 571 as previously reported on Monday. Reports indicate that 7,362 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 114,788 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 10,857.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 2,490
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 980
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,127
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,713
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,356
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,661
• Tuba City Service Unit: 1,015
• Winslow Service Unit: 507

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

The Navajo Nation will have a 56-hour weekend lockdown beginning on Friday, Oct. 16, at 9:00 p.m. (MDT) until Monday, Oct. 19 at 5:00 a.m. (MDT).

On Friday, the state of New Mexico reported 819 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 738 new cases, and Utah reported 1,496.

“For the third consecutive day, New Mexico has set a new record with a total of 819 new COVID-19 cases reported on Friday. This is very troubling for the Navajo Nation, especially if you choose to travel to cities and border towns. As we have stated many times before, the safest place is at home here on the Navajo Nation. Before you travel or hold a family gathering, please think of your elders, children, and those with underlying health conditions. Please wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands, avoid crowds, and stay home as much as possible,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Friday, the Nez-Lizer Administration partnered with World Central Kitchen and CORE Foundation to distribute food and care packages to 970 families in Shiprock, N.M.

“Words cannot express how thankful we are to all of the first responders and health care workers working long hours every day to save lives and keep our people healthy. Please be safe and take care of your elders, children, and all of your loved ones. We will continue to pray for our Diné people as we continue fighting this pandemic together,” said Vice President 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/posts/2627321044200089?