The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2021

19 new cases, 38,505 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19, 58 communities identified with uncontrolled spread

WINDOW ROCK, Arizona – On Monday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 19 new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths is 1,562. The report indicates that 38,505 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 403,484 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The overall total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 40,519, including three delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 7,139
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 3,862
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 4,698
• Gallup Service Unit: 6,670
• Kayenta Service Unit: 3,470
• Shiprock Service Unit: 7,266
• Tuba City Service Unit: 5,002
• Winslow Service Unit: 2,390

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

On Monday, the state of Arizona reported 2,391 new cases. The state of Utah reported 2,669 new cases, and New Mexico reported 2,561, which includes weekend numbers. Based on cases from Nov. 26 to Dec. 9, 2021, the Navajo Department of Health issued a Health Advisory Notice for the following 58 communities due to uncontrolled spread of COVID-19:

“As we approach the Christmas and New Year holidays, more and more health officials across the country are recommending that individuals get tested prior to attending a gathering. Wearing face masks, practicing social distancing, and getting fully vaccinated are strongly urged, but this added precautionary measure will also help to keep people safe and healthy during the holiday season. Our health care system is being challenged due to the spread of the COVID-19, in addition to other hospital visits that require medical attention. Please take precautions and get fully vaccinated and a booster shot if you haven’t already done so. We are in this together and we have to remain strong to push back on this invisible monster known as COVID-19,” 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.

“The men and women working around the clock in our hospital facilities need our help. They are fighting hard for all of us and putting themselves at risk to treat COVID-19 patients. We can help them by being very cautious in our daily activities to help bring down the numbers of new COVID-19 cases in our communities. Please be safe, continue to pray, and encourage your loved ones to take precautions,” 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.