The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2021

31 new cases, 16,524 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19 as Navajo Nation prepares to transition to “Yellow Status” on Monday

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 31 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 1,263 as previously reported. Reports indicate that 16,524 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 262,574 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 30,435.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 5,573
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,934
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 3,622
• Gallup Service Unit: 4,823
• Kayenta Service Unit: 2,697
• Shiprock Service Unit: 5,104
• Tuba City Service Unit: 3,688
• Winslow Service Unit: 1,975

* 19 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 896 new cases, Utah reported 344, and New Mexico reported 245 new cases. On Monday, April 26, the Navajo Nation will transition to “Yellow Status” in accordance with Public Health Emergency Order No. 2021-009 issued by the Navajo Department of Health. Provisions under “Yellow Status” include the following:

• Restaurants may provide indoor dining at 25% of maximum occupancy
• Marinas and parks are allowed to open at 25% of maximum occupancy to Navajo Nation residents, citizens and employees only 
• Tour businesses must follow the HCOC Reopening Guidelines for Tour Businesses.
• Museums are allowed to open at 25% of maximum occupancy
• 50% of maximum occupancy allowed for most businesses
• Restaurants and Dining facilities: drive-thru and curb-side permissible
• Restaurants with permanent outdoor dining may provide outdoor dining at 50% of maximum occupancy, as long as social distancing between tables is enforced
• Restaurants without permanent outdoor dining are allowed up to 10 outdoor tables (max 4 persons per table), as long as social distancing between tables is enforced
• Personal Care and Services: service by appointment only and allow time for cleaning between appointments
• Casinos and video poker: Navajo casinos are allowed to open at 50% of maximum occupancy to Navajo Nation residents, citizens and employees only

“We continue to take cautious steps to gradually reopen. We transitioned to ‘Orange Status’ several weeks ago and the number of COVID-19 infections has remained relatively low and we recently had 10 consecutive days with zero deaths reported. Vaccinations are another key part in achieving herd immunity, so that’s still a goal for our Nation. Currently, over half of the adult population on the Navajo Nation is fully vaccinated, but we want to see that percentage increase to 70 or 80 percent before considering reopening to visitors of the Navajo Nation. We have to keep taking all precautions and keep pushing back on the virus by staying home as much as possible, avoiding large in-person gatherings, wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands often,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. 

The Navajo Department of Health continues to evaluate daily cases and other data to assess the reopening of flea markets, roadside markets, and youth programs. Under “Yellow Status,” gyms, recreation facilities, and movie theaters are not allowed to reopen. 

“Herd immunity is the goal at his point and our health care workers are leading the charge in that effort. The vaccines have shown to be effective in pushing back on the virus, but please remember that after you are vaccinated, our health care experts urge everyone to continue taking all precautions. Please be safe and keep praying for our Nation,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.

Under a separate order, Public Health Emergency Order No. 2021-010, the Navajo Department of Health allows gatherings, including traditional ceremonies, of 15 or fewer people with face masks and social distancing required. Churches are allowed gatherings provided that 50% or less of maximum occupancy be allowed in any enclosed space with masks and social distancing enforced. Drive-thru gatherings of up to 50 vehicles are permitted during non-curfew hours while requiring individuals to remain in their vehicles, to wear masks, and do not have person-to-person contact between individuals in separate vehicles. The order also revises the daily curfew to 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (MDT) for the entire Navajo Nation. 

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.