The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2020

34 new cases, 7,262 recoveries, and two recent deaths related to COVID-19

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Friday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 32 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and two more deaths. The total number of deaths remains 558 as of Friday. Reports indicate that 7,262 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 107,765 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 10,404, including one more case that was previously unreported due to delayed reporting.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 2,414
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 891
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,044
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,645
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,342
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,593
• Tuba City Service Unit: 985
• Winslow Service Unit: 484

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

The Navajo Nation will have a 57-hour weekend lockdown beginning at 8:00 p.m. (MDT) on Friday, Oct. 2 until 5:00 a.m. (MDT) on Monday, Oct. 5. A Stay-At-Home Order also remains in effect for the entire Navajo Nation.

“We have to keep fighting this virus together. Across this country, we see division and conflict because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We know people are frustrated and concerned, but we have to be strong and be an example for the rest of the country. It was because of the Navajo people and our public health experts that our Nation’s numbers flattened and decreased since the height of the outbreak in April and May. Now, we have to step up and demonstrate the strength and resilience of our ancestors that is within each of us to this day. Please stay home, wear a mask, wash your hands, practice social distancing, and avoid large gatherings,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Friday, the state of New Mexico reported 341 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 551 new cases, and Utah reported 1,107.

“Today, the state of New Mexico reported its highest single-day increase in COVID-19 since July. Here on the Navajo Nation, we too are seeing increases in coronavirus cases in many regions of our Nation. Together, we brought down our number of cases in recent months and we have the will to do it again. Please continue to pray each day for our communities and all of our Navajo people,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.

On Friday, the Nez-Lizer Administration distributed food and care packages in the communities of Teesto, Indian Wells, Whitecone, Jeddito, and Steamboat. Census officials were on-site to provide information and to help residents get counted for the 2020 Census. To self-respond for the 2020 Census, please https://2020census.gov or call (844) 330-2020.

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.