The Navajo Nation
Office of the President and Vice President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 19, 2021
5 new cases, 16,290 recoveries, and one more death 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 five new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and one more death. The total number of deaths is now 1,229 as of Friday. Reports indicate that 16,290 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 250,676 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 29,992.
Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:
- Chinle Service Unit: 5,514
- Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,869
- Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 3,574
- Gallup Service Unit: 4,741
- Kayenta Service Unit: 2,648
- Shiprock Service Unit: 5,026
- Tuba City Service Unit: 3,639
- Winslow Service Unit: 1,963
* 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 423 new cases, Utah reported 447, and New Mexico reported 226 new cases.
“We had several new cases of COVID-19 reported due to an in-person birthday party that was held recently. Now is not the time to hold large in-person gatherings among multiple households due to the ongoing risks of COVID-19 and the variants. It’s these types of actions that lead to surges in new infections and more hospitalizations. We have to keep fighting and keep taking all precautions recommended by the public health experts. Personal responsibility is key to reducing the spread of COVID-19. Please continue to stay home as much as possible, wear one or two masks in public and near others who do not reside under the same household as you, avoid large crowds and gatherings, practice social distancing, and wash your hands often,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.
On Friday, the Navajo Nation held a “Navajo Nation Day of Prayer” virtual event that included remarks from Navajo Nation leaders, a written statement from U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, newly-confirmed U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Navajo Nation Chief Justice JoAnn B. Jayne, faith-based leaders, Miss Navajo Nation Shaandiin Parrish, and Navajo Area Indian Health Service Director Roselyn Tso to honor and remember all of the lives lost to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic approximately one year ago.
“We thank everyone who was a part of today’s Day of Prayer event. As we move forward in this pandemic, we have to keep supporting one another by keeping each other safe and praying together. We hope that today’s event moves us another step forward in the process of healing from the losses caused by this COVID-19 pandemic. Please continue to pray and don’t let up your guard,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.
For more information, including helpful prevention tips, and resources to help stop the spread of COVID-19, visit the NavajoDepartment 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.