The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2021

43 new cases, 15,917 recoveries, and 13 more deaths related to COVID-19 as Navajo Nation surpasses goal of administering 100,000 vaccine doses

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 43 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and 13 more deaths. The total number of deaths remains 1,127 as of Thursday. Reports indicate that 15,917 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 241,207 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 29,386, including seven delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 5,423
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,838
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 3,447
• Gallup Service Unit: 4,637
• Kayenta Service Unit: 2,616
• Shiprock Service Unit: 4,976
• Tuba City Service Unit: 3,562
• Winslow Service Unit: 1,869

* 18 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 1,143 new cases, Utah reported 1,151, and New Mexico reported 411 new cases. The Navajo Nation’s curfew remains in effect from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (MST) seven days a week.

“We are seeing some very good results in terms of vaccinations and lower numbers of new cases, but our prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones. We have to stay the course and keep taking all precautions to avoid another large surge of COVID-19 cases. We’ve accomplished our goal of administering at least 100,000 COVID-19 vaccine shots 10 days ahead of schedule, but we have to keep fighting this invisible monster known as COVID-19. The variant viruses are very concerning, so we have to remain diligent and keep in mind that the safest place to be is at home here on the Navajo Nation. Please continue to stay home as much as possible, wear a mask or two in public, avoid in-person gatherings and crowds, practice social distancing, and wash your hands often with soap and warm water,” 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 hope and pray that the data continues to improve and that we eventually reach our goal of having zero new cases of COVID-19 reported on a consistent basis, but it will take a strong effort from everyone. So please keep listening to our public health experts and please continue to help inform the elders in your family. Give them a call or send them information so they keep updated as well. Our health care workers are doing everything they can to fight for us, so let’s also fight for them by staying home as much as possible and keep praying,” 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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