The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2021

78 new cases, 37,982 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19

WINDOW ROCK, Arizona – On Thursday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 78 new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 1,557. The report indicates that 37,982 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 401,569 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The overall total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 40,334, including two delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 7,077
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 3,846
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 4,685
• Gallup Service Unit: 6,648
• Kayenta Service Unit: 3,454
• Shiprock Service Unit: 7,233
• Tuba City Service Unit: 4,995
• Winslow Service Unit: 2,374

* 22 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 3,663 new cases, Utah reported 1,397 new cases, and New Mexico reported 1,626. 

“The Omicron variant continues to spread around the world and in our region of the country. Our public health officials continue to test samples to detect whether or not the variant is within the Navajo Nation. Although we are hopeful that the Omicron variant will not enter the Navajo Nation, we must anticipate it and prepare. The best way to prepare is to get more of our people fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and to get more booster shots to those who were previously vaccinated. Scientists are studying this new variant and there is still much to be learned about it. Please continue to take precautions, wear a mask in public, practice social distancing, limit travel, and wash your hands often. We have to remain diligent and keep pushing back on the virus,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

Health care facilities across the Navajo Nation continue to administer COVID-19 vaccines. If you would like to receive one of the COVID-19 vaccines, please contact your health care provider and schedule an appointment.

“We understand that there are many challenges caused by this pandemic and that many are grieving the loss of loved ones. We do not want to lose any more lives to COVID-19. Our health experts have given us the guidance and resources to protect ourselves and others, but it comes down to the individual choices that each of us makes on a daily basis. Please make the right choices for you and your loved ones by taking precautions. Be safe and continue to pray,” 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. 

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