FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 6, 2020

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation’s update to coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic situation report from the Health Command Operations Center (HCOC) for December 6, 2020 included data for testing, results, recoveries and mortalities related to Covid-19 in and around the Navajo Nation.

The increase of 177 new cases with one case in delayed reporting brings the total confirmed positive cases on the Navajo Nation to 17,915. The total number of mortalities related to Covid-19 on the Navajo Nation increased by zero, remaining at 667. The report included 9,833 recovered cases. A total 171,539 Covid-19 tests have been administered with 142,435 tests that were returned with negative results.

“Navajo leaders continue to hear from our health experts on the strategies and plans in place to handle the surge facing the Navajo Nation,” said Speaker Seth Damon. “The Council also continues to stress the importance of staying home and practicing every precaution in preventing the spread of Covid-19. We know young people, from the age group 20 to 29 are the fastest growing age group, in terms of testing positive for this virus. We need them to understand the importance of following the CDC’s guidelines so they don’t become asymptomatic carriers of the virus. Protecting our hooghans is critical in making sure our hospital staff aren’t overwhelmed during this holiday season.”

On Monday, the Law and Order Committee of the 24th Navajo Nation Council is expected to hear from the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety (DPS) on the expenditures of CARES Funds for public safety services. The committee will also hear reports on the DPS’s calls for service and the well-being of police officers and dispatchers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Details on a plan for a surge in Covid-19 cases following the disbursement of Hardship Assistance Program payments during the coming holiday season is also expected to be shared with the committee.

Details on the Law and Order Committee meeting and related Navajo Nation Council information can be found online at: www.navajonationcouncil.org/meetings.html. All Legislative Branch offices are currently under administrative closure for the next two weeks. Limited no-contact services remain available during normal operation hours through phone or email.

On Dec. 3, the Office of Environmental Health and Protection, with the concurrence of the Navajo Department of Health (NDOH) and the HCOC, issued Public Health Emergency Order No. 2020-031. The order continues the Stay at Home (Shelter in Place) Lockdown Order for an additional three weeks, including full 57-hour weekend lockdowns. Law enforcement will provide patrol services to ensure only essential functions are conducted during the lockdown hours.

The NDOH and the Navajo Epidemiology Center provided the updated Covid-19 figures in coordination with tribally-controlled 638 healthcare facilities and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service. More information, including Covid-19 testing locations, can be found on the Navajo Nation’s Covid-19 website at: https://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19.

The HCOC General Hotline can be reached at (928) 871-7014. Inquiries and requests may be sent to NNHCOCPlans@navajo-nsn.gov. The HCOC hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm, Saturday from 8am to 12pm and Sunday on standby status.

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