The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 28, 2020

5,082 recoveries, 55 new cases, one more death related to COVID-19 reported as Navajo Nation’s travel advisory remains in effect

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 55 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and one new death. The total number of deaths is 363 as of Sunday. Reports from all 12 health care facilities on and near the Navajo Nation indicate that approximately 5,082 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 53,913 people have been tested for COVID-19. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation is 7,469.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 1,925
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 660
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 465
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,261
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,069
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,193
• Tuba City Service Unit: 627
• Winslow Service Unit: 261

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

“The Navajo Nation’s travel advisory for off Nation travel remains in effect for all residents, so everyone is expected to adhere to it. Staying home, wearing a face mask, cleaning and disinfecting, and avoiding large gatherings has helped minimize the spread of coronavirus in the Navajo Nation. The number of positive cases is decreasing, and there are more recoveries each day, and it gives us hope that we are safer and alert. Let’s continue to practice all preventative measures and don’t back down from the fight against COVID-19,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

The Navajo Nation’s 57-hour weekend lockdown will end at 5:00 a.m. (MDT) on Monday, but leaders urge residents to continue staying home as much as possible. Navajo police continue to enforce the lockdown and daily curfew and may issue a citation to violators.

“Many Navajo families have experienced the impact of COVID-19, but we must encourage each other to stay safe. During the lockdown, we can take the time to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces in our homes. These surfaces include tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, desks, phones, sinks, and others. While using disinfect household products, please use them safely and properly,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.

Health officials urge residents not to drink or inject bleach, Lysol, or any other disinfectant as a treatment for COVID-19. Do not use hand sanitizers that contain methanol, a substance that can be toxic when absorbed through the skin or ingested. Follow all label instructions and do not mix chemicals. Store all chemicals out of reach of children.

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.