The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2020

27 new cases, 7,301 recoveries, and two more deaths related to COVID-19

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Wednesday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 27 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and two more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 562 as of Wednesday. Reports indicate that 7,301 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 110,405 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 10,546, including 18 additional cases that were previously unreported due to delayed reporting or reconciliation.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 2,439
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 912
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,070
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,677
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,349
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,611
• Tuba City Service Unit: 995
• 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. On Wednesday, the state of New Mexico reported 426 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 604 new cases, and Utah reported 1,007.

“The state of New Mexico reported its second highest daily number of new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday with 426. In every state that encompasses the Navajo Nation, the overall daily numbers are increasing daily, along with the numbers of hospitalizations. We know that there’s fatigue and frustration settling in among many people across the country because of the pandemic, but our elders taught us to be strong and to fight through adversity. Please be strong and remember the adversities that our ancestors overcame long ago. Keep fighting and keep praying for your family members, and everyone that is struggling during this time,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Thursday, Oct. 8 at 6:00 p.m. (MDT), President Nez and Vice President Lizer will host an online town hall on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page to provide additional updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic on the Navajo Nation.

“There is a light at the end of the tunnel and we will eventually overcome this pandemic. Please remain diligent and make good choices for your loved ones. Pray for our frontline warriors and all of our Navajo people as we continue the fight against COVID-19,” 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.