351 Navajo people test positive for COVID-19, 11.20.20

11.20.20 PRESS RELEASE – Navajo Nation reports record-high 351 new cases of COVID-19 and five more deaths as leaders and health experts urge public to stay home

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Friday, Nov. 20, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported a record-high 351 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and five more deaths.

The total number of deaths is now 623 as of Friday. Reports indicate that 8,045 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 146,196 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 14,441, including five delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

· Chinle Service Unit: 3,122

· Crownpoint Service Unit: 1,563

· Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,476

· Gallup Service Unit: 2,299

· Kayenta Service Unit: 1,564

· Shiprock Service Unit: 2,099

· Tuba City Service Unit: 1,512

· Winslow Service Unit: 797

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

On Friday, the state of New Mexico reported 2,993 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 4,471 new cases, and Utah reported a record-high 4,588 new cases.

“On May 13, we had 238 cases reported in one day and today, we far surpassed that total with 351 new cases reported. This is not only devastating, but it indicates that the uncontrolled spread of the virus is impacting all communities on the Navajo Nation and in nearby border towns and cities. It is time for a mask mandate for the entire state of Arizona – the growing numbers of cases outside of the Navajo Nation is having a devastating impact on our people and it’s evident with 4,471 new cases reported in Arizona. This is happening all across the country, and we have always told our people that the safest place to be is at home here on the Navajo Nation. We have cautioned our people every single day. Everyone has to hold themselves accountable. If you do not have an emergency, if you’re not in immediate need of food, and if you’re not an essential worker that is required to report to work, then you are mandated to stay home. We have to do more and we have to take it upon ourselves to isolate the virus. When we move, the virus moves and spreads among the people,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

The Navajo Nation’s three-week stay-at-home lockdown is in effect 24-hours a day, seven days a week with the exception of essential workers, cases of emergencies, and to purchase essential items such as food and medication when essential businesses are open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. The Navajo Police Department will increase its enforcement of the lockdown and will patrol roadways and communities to help ensure compliance.

All essential businesses are required to ensure employees and customers wear masks, practice social distancing, disinfect high-touch surfaces, access to hand wash stations, sanitizers and gloves, and limit the number of customers in any enclosed areas.

“All of us have to do more to fight COVID-19. We have more and more people becoming infected with this virus and losing their lives. Our health care system is struggling and may soon be overwhelmed. We have to do everything within our power to protect our children, elders, and those with existing health conditions. Please pray, be safe, and stay home as much as possible,” 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.

11.19.20 PRESS RELEASE – 167 new cases, 8,028 recoveries, and five more deaths related to COVID-19 as New Mexico reports 3,675, Utah reports 3,968, and Arizona reports 4,123

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Thursday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 167 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and five more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 618 as of Thursday. Reports indicate that 8,028 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 144,514 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 14,085, including 38 delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

· Chinle Service Unit: 3,075

· Crownpoint Service Unit: 1,524

· Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,438

· Gallup Service Unit: 2,244

· Kayenta Service Unit: 1,546

· Shiprock Service Unit: 2,073

· Tuba City Service Unit: 1,471

· Winslow Service Unit: 705

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

The Navajo Nation’s three-week stay-at-home lockdown is in effect 24-hours a day, seven days a week with the exception of essential workers, cases of emergencies, and to purchase essential items such as food and medication when essential businesses are open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. On Thursday, the state of New Mexico reported a record-high 3,675 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 4,123 new cases, and Utah reported 3,968 cases.

“The states of New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona are reporting significantly high numbers of new COVID-19 cases today. We are seeing record numbers across the country in terms of new cases, hospital visits, hospitalizations, and deaths due to COVID-19. This is real and it is happening all around us, and it is devastating many of our Navajo people at this moment. Unfortunately, it is going to get worse before it gets better and that’s what we are seeing now. We have to stay home in order to isolate this virus and prevent it from spreading further. We cannot be visiting other households or having birthday parties, ceremonies, or other gatherings. We have to do this together and we have to do better. To wear a mask is to be a warrior. We can all be warriors by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, staying home as much as possible, avoiding all in-person gatherings, and washing your hands often,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

All essential businesses are required to ensure employees and customers wear masks, practice social distancing, disinfect high-touch surfaces, access to hand wash stations, sanitizers and gloves, and limit the number of customers in any enclosed areas.

“Our doctors, nurses, EMS, firefighters, police officers, and many others are literally putting their lives at risk by going to work each day and treating our people who have COVID-19 and those who are fighting for their lives. We cannot see this virus, which makes it even more dangerous. Just because we cannot see it, does mean it is not present. Please be safe and do everything in your power to protect yourselves, your children, and your elders. We are praying for all of our people during this time,” 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.

11.18.20 PRESS RELEASE – 135 new cases, 8,011 recoveries, and eight more deaths related to COVID-19

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Wednesday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 135 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and eight more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 613 as of Wednesday. Reports indicate that 8,011 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 141,751 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 13,880.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

· Chinle Service Unit: 3,041

· Crownpoint Service Unit: 1,505

· Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,392

· Gallup Service Unit: 2,200

· Kayenta Service Unit: 1,533

· Shiprock Service Unit: 2,050

· Tuba City Service Unit: 1,449

· Winslow Service Unit: 701

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

The Navajo Nation’s three-week stay-at-home lockdown is in effect 24-hours a day, seven days a week with the exception of essential workers, cases of emergencies, and to purchase essential items such as food and medication when essential businesses are open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. On Wednesday, the state of New Mexico reported a record-high 2,897 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 3,206 new cases, and Utah reported 3,071 cases.

“Unless you are an essential employee, or if you have an emergency, or are in immediate need of food or groceries or other essential items like medication, then you should be at home at all times. No one should be going into a store for a bag of chips or a soda and we shouldn’t be taking kids or our entire family into stores to shop – essential items only. We do not have the law enforcement resources to regulate the lockdown around the clock, and we shouldn’t have to. Everyone needs to take this growing pandemic seriously and hold themselves and your family members accountable. Unfortunately, too many people don’t take this virus seriously until it hits their own family. Over 160,000 new cases of COVID-19 cases were reported across the country today. The safest place to be is at home here on the Navajo Nation,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

All essential businesses are required to ensure employees and customers wear masks, practice social distancing, disinfect high-touch surfaces, access to hand wash stations, sanitizers and gloves, and limit the number of customers in any enclosed areas.

“We are strong and resilient, but we have to pray and we have to meet our prayers half way by making good decisions on a daily basis. We have to protect our most vulnerable to this virus, children, elders, and those with underlying health conditions. We cannot see the virus, so please be very cautious and stay home as much as possible. Please pray for our first responders who are working around the clock to protect us,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.

On Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6:00 p.m. (MST), the Nez-Lizer Administration will host an online town hall on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page to provide COVID-19 updates.

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.

11.17.20 PRESS RELEASE – 146 new cases, 8,011 recoveries, and two more deaths related to COVID-19 as Department of Health identifies 55 communities 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 146 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and two more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 605 as of Tuesday. Reports indicate that 8,011 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 141,166 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 13,744, including two delayed unreported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

· Chinle Service Unit: 3,002

· Crownpoint Service Unit: 1,494

· Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,385

· Gallup Service Unit: 2,171

· Kayenta Service Unit: 1,523

· Shiprock Service Unit: 2,018

· Tuba City Service Unit: 1,443

· Winslow Service Unit: 699

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

The Navajo Nation’s three-week stay-at-home lockdown remains in effect 24-hours a day, seven days a week with the exception of essential workers, cases of emergencies, and to purchase essential items such as food and medication when essential businesses are open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. On Tuesday, the state of New Mexico reported 2,112 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 2,984 new cases, and Utah reported 3,178 cases.

The Navajo Department of Health has identified the following 55 communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 from Oct. 30 to Nov. 12:

Alamo

Bread Springs

Baca/Prewitt

Bird Springs*

Bodaway/Gap

Cameron

Casamero Lake*

Chichiltah

Chilchinbeto*

Chinle

Churchrock

Counselor*

Coyote Canyon*

Crownpoint

Dilkon*

Forest Lake*

Fort Defiance*

Gadiiahi*

Ganado*

Hogback*

Houck*

Indian Wells*

Iyanbito*

Kaibeto*

Kayenta

Leupp*

Lupton*

Many Farms*

Mariano Lake

Nahatadziil*

Nahodishgish

Naschitti

Pinedale

Pinon

Pueblo Pintado*

Rock Point

Rock Springs

Round Rock

Sanostee*

Sheepsprings

Shiprock

Smith Lake

St. Michaels*

Teec Nos Pos*

Thoreau

Tohajiilee

Tohatchi

Tonalea

Tsayatoh

Tselani/Cottonwood*

Tuba City

Twin Lakes*

Upper Fruitland*

Whippoorwill*

White Cone*

  • Chapters added in the new 14-day period

“This invisible monster known as COVID-19 is devastating our country and the Navajo Nation. We cannot be complacent and careless about where we go, who we interact with, and the everyday choices we make. We love our Navajo people and we want everyone to be safe and healthy, but there are far too many people that continue to travel, to hold gatherings, and put themselves at unnecessary risk of catching the virus. We also want to thank the majority of our people who are staying home and adhering to the public health orders. We all have to remember that anyone can get COVID-19, but not everyone shows symptoms and that makes this virus very dangerous and potentially deadly. Everyone should be staying home 24/7 unless you are an essential employee and required to report to work, or if you have an emergency, or to get essential items like groceries or medication. Stay home, wear a mask if you must go into public, do not attend or hold in-person gatherings, practice social distancing, and wash your hands often,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

To encourage residents to stay local during the three-week stay-at-home lockdown, gas stations, grocery stores, laundromats, and restaurants and food establishments will remain open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. (MST) and 3:00 p.m. (MST). These businesses are required to ensure employees and customers wear masks, practice social distancing, disinfect high-touch surfaces, access to hand wash stations, sanitizers and gloves, and limit the number of customers in any enclosed areas.

“Many families are grieving and we have to keep them in mind as we go about our daily activities. Please make good decisions and please be safe. We know that the pandemic is also taking its toll on the mental health of many, so please pray for yourselves and all of our Navajo people. We will come out of this pandemic stronger and more resilient,” 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.

11.16.20 PRESS RELEASE – 197 new cases, 7,986 recoveries, and one more death related to COVID-19 as three-week stay-at-home lockdown begins

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Monday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 197 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and one more death. The total number of deaths is now 603 as of Monday. Reports indicate that 7,986 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 139,498 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 13,596, including 26 delayed unreported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

· Chinle Service Unit: 2,954

· Crownpoint Service Unit: 1,483

· Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,365

· Gallup Service Unit: 2,154

· Kayenta Service Unit: 1,509

· Shiprock Service Unit: 2,010

· Tuba City Service Unit: 1,419

· Winslow Service Unit: 693

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

The Navajo Nation’s three-week stay-at-home lockdown began on Monday, which also implements new safety provisions and requirements for businesses, and calls for schools to implement online learning only, to help reduce the uncontrollable spread of COVID-19.

On Monday, the state of New Mexico reported 1,259 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 1,476 new cases, and Utah reported 1,971 cases.

“All of the data indicates that it is going to get worse before it gets better, but each one of us has the ability to help change that trend. We have to use what we learned during the first wave of COVID-19 that devastated our Nation in April and May. We cannot keep making the same mistakes by traveling off the Navajo Nation and bringing the virus home. We can’t keep having family and social gatherings and expect everything to be okay. We have a three-week lockdown in place now to help isolate those individuals who are positive for COVID-19. When we isolate people, we isolate the virus. We have to do better and we cannot give up. Stay home as much as possible, do not attend or hold family gatherings, practice social distancing, wash your hands often, and wear a mask in public,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. (MST), the Nez-Lizer Administration will host an online town hall on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page to provide updates on COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation.

“This is the fourteenth consecutive day with over 100,000 new cases of COVID-19 reported for the country. This pandemic is devastating many areas across the country, including here on the Navajo Nation. We will overcome this pandemic but it takes all of us working together and listening to the health experts. Please be safe and protect your family and please continue to pray,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.

To encourage residents to stay local during the three-week stay-at-home lockdown, gas stations, grocery stores, laundromats, and restaurants and food establishments will remain open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. (MST) and 3:00 p.m. (MST). These businesses are required to ensure employees and customers wear masks, practice social distancing, disinfect high-touch surfaces, access to hand wash stations, sanitizers and gloves, and limit the number of customers in any enclosed areas.

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.

11.15.20 PRESS RELEASE – 117 new cases, 7,926 recoveries, and four more deaths related to COVID-19 as three-week stay-at-home lockdown set to begin

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Sunday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 117 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and four more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 602 as of Sunday. Reports indicate that 7,926 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 138,332 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 13,373, including seven delayed unreported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

· Chinle Service Unit: 2,941

· Crownpoint Service Unit: 1,463

· Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,348

· Gallup Service Unit: 2,054

· Kayenta Service Unit: 1,493

· Shiprock Service Unit: 2,001

· Tuba City Service Unit: 1,376

· Winslow Service Unit: 688

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

The Navajo Nation’s latest COVID-19 public health emergency orders go into effect on Monday, Nov. 16, which implement a three-week stay-at-home lockdown for the entire Navajo Nation, implement new safety provisions and requirements for businesses, and calls for schools to implement online learning only, to help reduce the uncontrollable spread of COVID-19.

On Sunday, the state of New Mexico reported 1,033 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 2,383 new cases, and Utah reported 2,667 cases.

“Unfortunately, it appears that this pandemic is going to get worse before it gets better. The projections from our health care experts indicate that the Navajo Nation, as well as the country, is on an upward trajectory in terms of new cases of COVID-19. The sooner we all do our part to stay home consistently, avoid gatherings, and social distance, the sooner we will reach our peak and hopefully begin to see a decline in new cases. If our Navajo citizens don’t abide by the three-week stay-at-home lockdown, then we’re going to see even more cases and our health care system is going to be overwhelmed very quickly. We have to do it ourselves. Our leaders and health experts can caution every one constantly, but each of you has to make good choices and stay home as much as possible. Please hold yourselves and your loved ones accountable and please pray for our Nation,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Monday, an Executive Order will go into effect for the closure of government offices with the exception of essential employees for the next three weeks. Division directors are directed to determine which employees are essential and non-essential and to ensure their respective divisions continue essential services, including continuing with CARES Act fund projects.

“We must do better and must not lose hope at this time. We are praying for everyone who is struggling and everyone who has lost a loved one. Be safe and do everything you can to protect yourself and your family members, especially our elders and children. If you need to purchase groceries or other essential items, send only one person into the store to shop to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Most importantly, continue to pray and be strong,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.

To encourage residents to stay local during the three-week stay-at-home lockdown, gas stations, grocery stores, laundromats, and restaurants and food establishments will remain open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. (MST) and 3:00 p.m. (MST). These businesses are required to ensure employees and customers wear masks, practice social distancing, disinfect high-touch surfaces, access to hand wash stations, sanitizers and gloves, and limit the number of customers in any enclosed areas.

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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