The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2020

53 new cases, 7,378 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19 as the Navajo Nation exceeds 50 new cases for the first time since July 30^th

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 53 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 571 as previously reported on Monday. Reports indicate that 7,378 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 115,454 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 10,913, including three delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 2,496
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 993
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,136
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,715
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,357
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,684
• Tuba City Service Unit: 1,017
• 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’s 56-hour weekend lockdown remains in effect until Monday, Oct. 19 at 5:00 a.m. (MDT). Saturday marks the first time that the Navajo Nation has had over 50 new daily cases since July 30, 2020. On Saturday, the state of New Mexico reported 577 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 921 new cases, and Utah reported 1,340.

“Today is the first time the Navajo Nation has had over 50 new daily cases reported since 79 days ago. The numbers of new COVID-19 cases in border towns and cities near and around the Navajo Nation have been consistently high for weeks now. When a resident of the Navajo Nation travels to those areas and dines in a restaurant or attends a public event, they are making the choice to risk their lives and the lives of their loved ones because when they return home, we are finding that those individuals are spreading the virus. How do we know this? Because contact tracers collect data and information that shows this trend. We know how to beat this virus, but the choices that our people are making is what is causing the rise in new cases. Stay home, wash your hands, wear a mask, practice social distancing, and avoid crowds,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 10:00 a.m. (MDT), President Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer will host an online town hall on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page to provide updates on COVID-19.

“The number of new cases is rising across the country and here on the Navajo Nation. We have to remain strong just as our ancestors did long ago. They overcame many adversities and we will also, but we have to make good decisions. Please pray for yourselves, our first responders, and all of our communities on the Navajo 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.

https://www.facebook.com/NezLizer2018/posts/2628255157440011