The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 11, 2020

20 new cases, 7,339 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19 as public health experts caution against family gatherings and travel

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 20 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 565 as previously reported on Saturday. Reports indicate that 7,339 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 112,529 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 10,696, including one additional case that was previously unreported due to delayed reporting.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 2,467
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 936
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,106
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,698
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,353
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,631
• Tuba City Service Unit: 1,003
• Winslow Service Unit: 494

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

On Sunday, the state of New Mexico reported 269 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 597 new cases, and Utah reported 1,200.

“It appears that family gatherings and people returning from border towns are the two driving forces behind recent surges in certain regions of the Navajo Nation, based on information gathered by contact tracers who interview individuals who test positive for COVID-19. We know that people are hesitant to wear masks and follow CDC guidelines when they are around family members, but the reality is that many of our people are contracting the virus at family gatherings. We are also seeing high case levels in regions near border towns, so please be safe and always wear a mask in public and practice social distancing,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

The Navajo Nation’s 57-hour weekend lockdown remains in effect until 5:00 a.m. (MDT) on Monday, Oct. 12. A Stay-At-Home Order also remains in effect for the entire Navajo Nation.

“We have to be strong just like our ancestors were. Our ancestors and elders overcame so much so that we could be here today, so let’s honor their sacrifices by keeping our elders, children, and those with underlying health issues safe during this pandemic. We all play a part in keeping our communities and our homes safe from the virus. Please continue to pray each day for our people, first responders, and our Nation,” 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.