The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2020

48 new cases of COVID-19, one more death, and 1,585 recoveries reported

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Department of Health in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service reported 48 new cases of COVID-19 for the Navajo Nation. The total number of deaths has reached 158 as of Tuesday. Preliminary reports from nine health care facilities indicate that approximately 1,585 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, with more reports still pending. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation has reached 4,842.

Navajo Nation cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 1,186
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 503
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 237
• Gallup Service Unit: 837
• Kayenta Service Unit: 757
• Shiprock Service Unit: 785
• Tuba City Service Unit: 423
• Winslow Service Unit: 83

*31 residences are not specific enough to place them accurately in a Service Unit

“We are seeing some very good implications based on new data and new reports from the Navajo Area IHS, but I can’t emphasize enough that we have to remain cautious and diligent in order to continue bringing the numbers down in terms of hospital visits and new cases. Let’s continue to stay home as much as possible, wear protective masks, practice social distancing, and wash our hands as much as possible. We are beating the virus so let’s continue to fight strong and overcome this pandemic together,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

During a live online town hall on Tuesday, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer announced that recent data and new surge projections provided by the Navajo Area Indian Health Service on May 24, indicate that the COVID-19 surge peak for IHS hospitalizations, including ICU admissions and ventilations occurred from April 21 to April 26 – an entire month earlier than initial surge projections on March 27.  

IHS Director RADM Michael D. Weahkee and Navajo Area IHS Director Roselyn Tso also participated in the town hall to provide updates on Personal Protective Equipment, testing, and other matters. RADM Weahkee also thanked the Navajo people and leaders for everything they have done to help flatten the curve, including implementing public health orders and curfews.

“That’s attributable to all the great actions of you all, the citizens as well as the leadership of the Navajo Nation,” said RADM Weahkee. 

“We’ve got some good strong momentum so let’s keep up the good work by making good decisions for ourselves and others. The light at the end of this dark tunnel is slowly getting brighter and brighter each day. Keep praying for all of our people, especially the health care workers, police officers, and many others on the frontlines. They are our miracle workers and the answers to our prayers each and every day,” said Vice President Myron Lizer. 

On Tuesday, the Nez-Lizer Administration distributed food, bottled water, cleaning supplies, and more to 563 Navajo families in the communities of Cornfields, Steamboat, and Kin Dah Łichíí in Arizona. Overall, the administration has reached 63 chapters across the Navajo Nation so far. 

For more information including reports, helpful prevention tips, and more resources, please visit the Navajo Department of Health’s COVID-19 website at http://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. To contact the main Navajo Health Command Operations Center, please call (928) 871-7014.