The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2020

17 new cases, 7,230 recoveries, and four more deaths related to COVID-19 as Navajo Nation 32-hour partial weekend lockdown begins

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Saturday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 17 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and four more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 548 as of Saturday. Reports indicate that 7,230 individuals have recovered from COVID-19 and 101,899 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 10,107.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 2,364
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 830
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 977
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,621
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,329
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,545
• Tuba City Service Unit: 954
• Winslow Service Unit: 481

* Six residences with COVID-19 positive cases are not specific enough to place them accurately in

a Service Unit.

The Navajo Nation’s 32-hour partial weekend lockdown ‪‪begins on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 9:00 p.m. and will last ‪‪until Monday, Sept. 21 at 5:00 a.m. (MDT) to help control and prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation. On Saturday, the state of Utah reported 1,077 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 610 new cases, and New Mexico reported 164.

“We encourage families to use the partial weekend lockdown to prepare their homes for the winter season and to gather essential supplies. Together, we have come a long way from the large spikes we had several months ago to where we are today. We cannot afford another large spike in new COVID-19 cases, and our health care system cannot handle another surge. Please stay home as much as possible, wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash your hands often, and avoid large gatherings,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

The Nez-Lizer Administration distributed food and care packages to 674 families at Northern Edge Navajo Casino on Saturday. U.S. Census representatives were also on-site to help answer questions, provide information, and help residents self-respond for the 2020 Census.

“Let’s continue to work together, support one another, and keep fighting COVID-19. We have the strength and resilience of our ancestors within us and we will overcome this pandemic just as they overcame many adversities in the past. Keep praying and keep listening to our health care experts,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.

The Nez-Lizer Administration also continues to encourage everyone to get counted for the 2020 Census. You can self-respond by mail, by telephone by calling ‪‪(844) 330-2020, or online at https://2020census.gov‪.

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.