The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2021

33 new cases, 30,295 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19, 28 communities identified with uncontrolled spread

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 33 new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 1,390 as previously reported. The report indicates that 30,295 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 302,191 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The overall total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 31,997, including seven delayed reported cases. 

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 5,828
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 3,066
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 3,825
• Gallup Service Unit: 5,080
• Kayenta Service Unit: 2,846
• Shiprock Service Unit: 5,416
• Tuba City Service Unit: 3,878
• Winslow Service Unit: 2,039

* 19 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 2,661 new cases, Utah reported 963 cases, and New Mexico reported 749 new cases. Based on cases from July 30, 2021 to Aug. 12, 2021, the Navajo Department of Health issued a Health Advisory Notice for the following 28 communities due to uncontrolled spread of COVID-19: 

“We know much more than we did a year ago when this pandemic began. Our public health experts have gone above and beyond to inform us, educate us, and give us the guidance that we need to protect ourselves and others. There is an increase in Delta variant cases here on the Navajo Nation, but so far, we do not see a surge in hospitalizations and that’s like due to the high percentage of people who are fully vaccinated. The data shows that the vaccines are highly-effective in preventing severe symptoms and hospitalizations. Continue to take precautions and to minimize in-person social and family gatherings until we see a consistent reduction in new cases,” 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. 

“The EMT’s, nurses, doctors, and many other frontline workers are sacrificing so much for all of us during this pandemic, please help them by reducing the spread of COVID-19 by wearing masks in public and getting vaccinated. Continue to take precautions especially when you are out in public and please 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. 

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