The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2021

12 new cases, 16,109 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19 as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports rise in new infections

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Monday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 12 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 1,170 as previously reported on Sunday. Reports indicate that 16,109 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 244,483 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 29,754. 

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 5,473
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,855
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 3,537
• Gallup Service Unit: 4,698
• Kayenta Service Unit: 2,631
• Shiprock Service Unit: 5,005
• Tuba City Service Unit: 3,607
• Winslow Service Unit: 1,930

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

On Monday, the state of Arizona reported 1,039 new cases, Utah reported 257, and New Mexico reported 166 new cases. The Navajo Nation’s daily curfew remains in effect from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (MST) seven days a week.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, stated on Monday that the country may be at risk of increasing COVID-19 infections due to the spread of COVID-19 variants and reports of some states easing public health measures that help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. She also noted that the U.S. has had a two-percent rise in new infections this past week, compared to the previous week. 

“The variants are basically a mutation of the COVID-19 virus, and in some cases, it appears the mutations allow the virus to become more contagious among people. Researchers are still studying the variants and learning more about them, so it’s very important that all of our Navajo Nation residents be very cautious. Do not travel off of the Navajo Nation because regions around our Nation is where these variants are being detected. We’ve had a gradual decline in new infections here on the Navajo Nation for several weeks, but we know that it doesn’t take much to have another large surge. We have to inform one another and hold each other accountable. If you know of a family member or a friend who is planning to travel, let them know that they are putting themselves and others at risk. The vaccines are being administered at high rates here on the Navajo Nation and they are highly effective, but they do not guarantee prevention of COVID-19,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

Health care facilities across the Navajo Nation continue to administer COVID-19 vaccines during drive-thru events or by appointment. If you would like to receive the vaccine, please contact your health care provider for more information for your Service Unit. On Tuesday, March 2 at 10:00 a.m. (MST), the Nez-Lizer Administration will host an online town hall on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page and YouTube channel to provide more COVID-19 updates.

“The variants are very concerning because we do not know everything there is to know about them yet, but health experts indicate that some are more contagious than the COVID-19 virus that we’ve been dealing with so far. Recently, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe confirmed its first case of the variant known as the California variant. It’s a serious matter that everyone needs to be aware and mindful of. Please continue to take all precautions and please keep praying for our people,” 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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