The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 20, 2020

Navajo Nation reports record-high 351 new cases of COVID-19 and five more deaths as leaders and health experts urge public to stay home

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 a record-high 351 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and five more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 623 as of Friday. Reports indicate that 8,045 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 146,196 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 14,441, including five delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 3,122
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 1,563
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,476
• Gallup Service Unit: 2,299
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,564
• Shiprock Service Unit: 2,099
• Tuba City Service Unit: 1,512
• Winslow Service Unit: 797

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

On Friday, the state of New Mexico reported 2,993 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 4,471 new cases, and Utah reported a record-high 4,588 new cases.

“On May 13, we had 238 cases reported in one day and today, we far surpassed that total with 351 new cases reported. This is not only devastating, but it indicates that the uncontrolled spread of the virus is impacting all communities on the Navajo Nation and in nearby border towns and cities. It is time for a mask mandate for the entire state of Arizona – the growing numbers of cases outside of the Navajo Nation is having a devastating impact on our people and it’s evident with 4,471 new cases reported in Arizona. This is happening all across the country, and we have always told our people that the safest place to be is at home here on the Navajo Nation. We have cautioned our people every single day. Everyone has to hold themselves accountable. If you do not have an emergency, if you’re not in immediate need of food, and if you’re not an essential worker that is required to report to work, then you are mandated to stay home. We have to do more and we have to take it upon ourselves to isolate the virus. When we move, the virus moves and spreads among the people,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

The Navajo Nation’s three-week stay-at-home lockdown is in effect 24-hours a day, seven days a week with the exception of essential workers, cases of emergencies, and to purchase essential items such as food and medication when essential businesses are open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. The Navajo Police Department will increase its enforcement of the lockdown and will patrol roadways and communities to help ensure compliance.

All essential businesses are required to ensure employees and customers wear masks, practice social distancing, disinfect high-touch surfaces, access to hand wash stations, sanitizers and gloves, and limit the number of customers in any enclosed areas.

“All of us have to do more to fight COVID-19. We have more and more people becoming infected with this virus and losing their lives. Our health care system is struggling and may soon be overwhelmed. We have to do everything within our power to protect our children, elders, and those with existing health conditions. Please pray, be safe, and stay home as much as possible,” 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.

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