The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2021

4 new cases, 29,361 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Thursday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported four new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 1,297 as previously reported. Reports indicate that 29,361 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 271,281 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 30,751.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 5,589
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,954
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 3,659
• Gallup Service Unit: 4,882
• Kayenta Service Unit: 2,725
• Shiprock Service Unit: 5,201
• Tuba City Service Unit: 3,736
• Winslow Service Unit: 1,986

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

On Thursday, the state of Arizona reported 590 new cases, Utah reported 266, and New Mexico reported 210 cases. 

“The mask mandate remains in place here on the Navajo Nation. As I’ve stated before, wearing a mask makes you a warrior in this fight against COVID-19. If we continue to take precautions and get more of our people vaccinated, we will get through this pandemic sooner than later. Since the pandemic began over one year ago, we have lost many of our people here on the Navajo Nation and we continue to pray for their families and loved ones who are grieving. So let’s remember them and honor them by continuing to take precautions that help to prevent the further spread of COVID-19. We are all part of the solution. Please continue to wear masks in public, wash your hands often, practice social distancing, avoid large in-person gatherings, and limit travel as much as possible,” 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. 

“We are overcoming the pandemic one day at a time through the collective efforts of our Navajo people and our frontline warriors. We have thousands of health care workers and other first responders who put themselves at risk on the frontlines each and every day to protect us and to save lives. I’m certain that their efforts and sacrifices have saved countless lives throughout this pandemic. We can help them by continuing to take precautions and to consider receiving the vaccine if you have not already done so. Be safe and keep praying for our frontline warriors, our people, and our communities,” 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.