The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2020

17 new cases, 7,284 recoveries, and one more death related to COVID-19

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 17 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and one more death. The total number of deaths is now 560 as of Tuesday. Reports indicate that 7,284 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 109,722 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 10,501, including 30 additional cases that was previously unreported due to delayed reporting or reconciliation.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 2,431
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 910
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,055
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,668
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,345
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,605
• Tuba City Service Unit: 994
• Winslow Service Unit: 487

* 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. 9 until 5:00 a.m. (MDT) on Monday, Oct. 12. A Stay-At-Home Order also remains in effect for the entire Navajo Nation.

“Wearing a mask is not a sign of weakness, wearing a mask makes you a warrior because you’re helping to protect your Navajo people and you’re actually saving lives whether you know it or not. Our ancestors fought off monsters long ago, and now we have to remember that their strength and resilience is still within us today as we fight this modern-day monster known as COVID-19. Today, the states of New Mexico and Arizona reported large increases in COVID-19 cases compared to yesterday’s numbers, so the risk of contracting COVID-19 remains relatively high in many areas. Keep fighting and keep praying for our Nation. Stay home, wear a mask, wash your hands, practice social distancing, and avoid large gatherings,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Tuesday, the state of New Mexico reported 316 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 864 new cases, and Utah reported 716.

“The doctors, nurses, EMS workers, firefighters, police, and other frontline warriors have not stopped fight for us, so let’s not stop fighting for them. The data from the public health experts indicates that COVID-19 is being spread through family gatherings. We know families want to gather to celebrate special occasions, but the risks and potential consequences can be devastating. Please remain diligent and please pray for the health and safety of our Navajo people and first responders,” 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.