The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2020

3,462 new recoveries, 62 new cases, and six more deaths related to COVID-19 reported as the 57-hour weekend lockdown takes effect 

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Friday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 62 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and six more deaths. The total number of deaths reached 330 as of Friday. Reports from 11 health care facilities on and near the Navajo Nation indicate that approximately 3,462 individuals recovered from COVID-19, with one health care facility report still pending. 47,934 people have been tested for COVID-19. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation is 6,894.

Here are the Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 1,796
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 627
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 414
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,166
• Kayenta Service Unit: 992
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,123
• Tuba City Service Unit: 564
• Winslow Service Unit: 204

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

“The Nation continues the 57-hour lockdown this weekend to help stop the spread of the coronavirus. It’s troubling and disheartening to hear that so many positive cases have been reported in surrounding areas of the Navajo Nation. On the Navajo Nation, we have to stay the course and stay alert. We no longer have the highest number of cases per capita because we implemented proactive preventative measures, such as wearing face masks, washing our hands, and practicing social distancing. We also encourage our Navajo citizens who do not live on the Nation to do the same and stay safe. Don’t back down,” said President Nez.

The Navajo Police Department and county sheriff departments will establish road checkpoints throughout the Navajo Nation during this weekend’s 57-hour lockdown. Curfew violators who receive a criminal nuisance citation could be fined up to $1,000 and/or up to 30 days in jail. All businesses on the Nation will be closed during the lockdown, and all Navajo tribal parks are closed to visitors until further notice.

“Staying home, washing our hands, cleaning and disinfecting high-touched surfaces, wearing a face mask, and staying six feet away from others can protect us, including people over the age of 65-years, individuals with diabetes, chronic lung disease, asthma, serious heart conditions, kidney disease, and liver disease. Protect your family and monitor your health for symptoms of COVID-19,” said Vice President Lizer.

On Friday, the Nez-Lizer team distributed food, bottled water, diapers, pet food, protective face masks, and other supplies to 644 Navajo families in the community of Tuba City in Arizona. 

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 at ‪http://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. For COVID-19 related questions and information call ‪(928) 871-7014.

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