The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2022

14 new cases, 51,007 recoveries, and one death related to COVID-19 reported

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 14 new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation and one death. The total number of deaths is now 1,658. The report indicates that 51,007 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 502,311 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The overall total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 52,780, including 12 delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 10,107
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 5,138
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 5,360
• Gallup Service Unit: 8,859
• Kayenta Service Unit: 5,001
• Shiprock Service Unit: 9,781
• Tuba City Service Unit: 5,706
• Winslow Service Unit: 2,806

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

On Thursday, the state of New Mexico reported 215 new cases and Utah reported 173 new cases. The state of Arizona now reports COVID-19 cases on a weekly basis, each Wednesday. 

Navajo Nation leaders held a Day of Prayer service on Thursday, to honor and remember all of the lives lost to COVID-19 since the first case was confirmed on the Navajo Nation two years ago. They also issued a proclamation calling for all flags on the Navajo Nation to be flown at half-staff in honor of lost loved ones. The service is available to view on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/NezLizer2018/videos/816055522703077.

“Two years ago, when the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed on the Navajo Nation, our people stood strong and supported one another. Our frontline warriors did not hesitate to put themselves at risk to help our people and to save lives. Today, we honor all who have passed on and all who continue to serve and help our people and communities as we persevere through this pandemic. We have come a long way in this fight against this invisible monster, but we remain strong and resilient and we are stronger together. Please continue to wear a mask in public and be very cautious as we push back on COVID-19,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

Health care facilities on 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.

“As we continue to press forward together, we cannot thank our frontline workers enough for all of their dedication and sacrifice. Without them, we would’ve lost more lives and there would’ve been more heartache. We honor them as we come together and pray for all of the grieving families as well. Be safe and continue to pray for strength as we continue to emerge from this pandemic,” 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. 

https://www.facebook.com/NezLizer2018/posts/509637503864612