The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 29, 2021

74 new cases, 39,333 recoveries, and five recent deaths related to COVID-19 

WINDOW ROCK, Arizona – On Wednesday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 74 new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation and five recent deaths. The total number of deaths is now 1,588. The report indicates that 39,333 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 414,569 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The overall total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 41,262, including 67 delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 7,366
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 3,923
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 4,764
• Gallup Service Unit: 6,752
• Kayenta Service Unit: 3,529
• Shiprock Service Unit: 7,391
• Tuba City Service Unit: 5,078
• Winslow Service Unit: 2,437

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

On Wednesday, the state of Arizona reported 3,411 new cases, the state of Utah reported 3,303 new cases, and New Mexico reported 1,371.

“Numbers of new COVID-19 cases continue to rise in most parts of the country and now we see an increase here on the Navajo Nation today. The 67 delayed reported cases are due to the delay in reporting over the Christmas holiday weekend. Our health officials continue to conduct sample testing to detect the Omicron variant in our communities. The best defense against the virus and any variant is to get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and get a booster shot if you’re eligible. The vaccines are highly-effective in reducing symptoms and saving lives. Please remain diligent, continue to pray, and keep pushing back on this modern-day monster,” 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 know what precautions and safety measures we need to take to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but it comes down to our daily actions and choices. As the Omicron variant continues to spread across the country, we have to remain diligent and be very careful. Please be safe and continue to pray for our people,” 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.