The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2021

5 new cases, 16,524 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19

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 5 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 1,273 as previously reported. Reports indicate that 16,524 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 30,467. Due to the delay in reporting, the number of tests administered and COVID-19 positive cases by service units will be forthcoming.

On Monday, the state of Arizona reported 750 new cases, Utah reported 246, and New Mexico reported 673 new cases, which includes Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. On Monday, transitioned 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

“Throughout this pandemic, personal responsibility has always been key to reducing the spread of COVID-19 and the variants. Our public health experts put forth their advice and recommendations, but it’s ultimately up to each individual to implement those recommendations. The pandemic is not over and we cannot afford to let up our guard now. 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. 

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. 

“There’s no easy way through this pandemic. We just have to take it day by day and keep praying for guidance and strength. We all know what we have to do to keep ourselves safe and to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Our health care workers continue to work seven days a week to save lives, so please help them by continuing to take all precautions and please keep praying,” 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. 

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