The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 12, 2021

19 new cases, 16,223 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19

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 19 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and three more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 1,215 as of Friday. Reports indicate that 16,223 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 248,781 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 29,930. 

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 5,507
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,866
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 3,564
• Gallup Service Unit: 4,732
• Kayenta Service Unit: 2,644
• Shiprock Service Unit: 5,019
• Tuba City Service Unit: 3,630
• Winslow Service Unit: 1,950

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

On Friday, the state of Arizona reported 1,367 new cases, Utah reported 519, and New Mexico reported 268 new cases. On Monday, March 15, the Navajo Nation will transition from “red status” to “orange status” in accordance with gating measures and indicators that take into account several factors including the declining number of COVID-19 cases, testing availability, hospital capacity and bed usage, and contact tracing. The Navajo Nation’s daily curfew remains in effect from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (MDT) seven days a week.

“Personal responsibility is very important as we move forward in this COVID-19 pandemic. Every day, we should be reminding ourselves and our loved ones to continue taking all precautions. We are aware that spring break is approaching for many students, but that doesn’t mean that it’s time to travel. In regions near the Navajo Nation there are confirmed cases of the new variants of COVID-19 and it’s reported that the variants are more transmissible from person to person. We are making good progress thanks to the Navajo people and our health care workers, but we have to keep fighting this invisible monster. Let’s stay the course and keep staying home as much as possible, wear one or two masks, avoid large gatherings, practice social distancing, and wash your hands often,” 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. 

“Our public health officials have done a great job informing our people about COVID-19 and offered many recommendations on how to keep ourselves safe and healthy. We ask all of our Navajo people to stay informed and help to inform others about new developments related to the virus and the latest recommendations from the Navajo Department of Health, NavajoArea IHS, CDC, and others. Please continue to take all precautions and make good decisions for yourselves and others,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.

The latest public health emergency orders that will take effect on Monday, March 15, are available online at: https://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. 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.