The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2020

47 new cases, 7,438 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19 as 56-hour weekend lockdown begins

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 47 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 574 as previously reported on Monday. Reports indicate that 7,438 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 120,475 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 11,151, which includes three delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 2,512
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 1,064
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,163
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,734
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,375
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,725
• Tuba City Service Unit: 1,043
• Winslow Service Unit: 527

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

The Navajo Nation will have a 56-hour weekend lockdown beginning on Friday, Oct. 23 at 9:00 p.m. (MDT) until Monday, Oct. 26 at 5:00 a.m. (MDT), and another from Oct. 30 until Nov. 2. On Friday, the state of New Mexico reported a record-high of 797 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 975 new cases, and Utah reported 1,960.

“The state of Utah broke its single-day record with 1,960 new COVID-19 cases reported on Friday. New Mexico also reported 229 hospitalizations related to COVID-19 and the state of Arizona reported nearly 1,000 new cases today. These are all very devastating trends that are similar to many other states across the country. The safest place for our Navajo people is at home here on the Navajo Nation. Please stay home this weekend, do not host or attend family gatherings, avoid large crowds, wash your hands often, and if you have to haul wood or report to work please wear a mask and practice social distancing at all times. We have to do better and we have to do more to save lives and protect our people,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Friday, the Nez-Lizer team, Miss Navajo Nation Shaandiin Parrish, World Central Kitchen, and CORE Foundation distributed food and care packages to 850 families in the communities of Oljato, Chinle, Nazlini, and Kin Dah Lichii.

“Our Nation is going through a tough time right now and many people are worried and struggling, but we have to remember that we come from a long line of strong and resilient people who overcame many adversities long ago to the present time. Our ancestors fought through many hardships for us to be here today. Please remain optimistic and make good decisions for yourselves and your family members. Continue to pray and we will overcome this pandemic eventually,” 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.