The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2021

12 new cases, 16,396 recoveries, and one recent death related to COVID-19 

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Tuesday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 12 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and one recent death. The total number of deaths is now 1,247 as of Tuesday. Reports indicate that 16,396 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 253,994 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 30,097, including three delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 5,522
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,871
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 3,588
• Gallup Service Unit: 4,754
• Kayenta Service Unit: 2,657
• Shiprock Service Unit: 5,045
• Tuba City Service Unit: 3,655
• Winslow Service Unit: 1,969

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

On Tuesday, the state of Arizona reported 586 new cases, Utah reported 371, and New Mexico reported 148 new cases. On Tuesday, the Navajo Nation announced the first confirmed case of the COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2 Strain Variant B.1.1.7 also referred to as the U.K. variant, from a COVID-19 test sample that was obtained in the western portion of the Navajo Nation. The U.K. variant is currently the most dominant variant in the United States and has been detected in all 50 states, including many cases in the Four Corners states. 

“The confirmation of the U.K. variant on the Navajo Nation should not cause a panic, but it should motivate us to do better. If we choose to take all precautions, wear a mask in public, limit travel, avoid large in-person gatherings, and receive the COVID-19 vaccine, then the chances of contracting COVID-19 are much lower than if you choose otherwise. Some states including the state of Arizona have lifted nearly all COVID-19 prevention measures, but here on the Navajo Nation we continue to mandate the wearing of masks, and continue to urge all residents to stay home as much as possible, avoid large crowds and gatherings, practice social distancing, and wash your hands often. The safest place to be is at home here on the Navajo Nation,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

According to the Navajo Department of Health, the person who tested positive for the U.K. variant received the COVID-19 vaccine over one month prior to testing positive and was hospitalized and is now recovering at home. Health officials believe that the severity of the COVID-19 infection for this individual may have been reduced by the vaccine that the person received weeks prior.

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. 

“The COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against the current strains of COVID-19, but it does not guarantee that a person won’t become infected. We have to continue taking all precautions even after being fully vaccinated. We are overcoming this pandemic one day at a time, but we have to remain strong and keep fighting this virus together,” 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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