The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2020

30 new cases, 7,343 recoveries, and six more deaths related to COVID-19 

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Monday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 30 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and six more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 571 as of Monday. Reports indicate that 7,343 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 112,648 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 10,728, including two additional cases 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: 947
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,107
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,704
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,353
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,637
• Tuba City Service Unit: 1,009
• Winslow Service Unit: 496

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

The Navajo Nation will finalize another Public Health Emergency Order this week to issue a 56-hour weekend lockdown beginning on Friday, Oct. 16 at 9:00 p.m. (MDT) until Monday, Oct. 19 at 5:00 a.m. (MDT). The daily curfew will also be extended from 9:00 p.m. (MDT) to 5:00 a.m. (MDT) during weekdays.

On Monday, the state of New Mexico reported 389 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 475 new cases, and Utah reported 988.

“The public health experts and the Navajo people know how to reduce the number of COVID-19 cases and they know what increases those numbers as well, but it comes down to the choices we as individuals make on a daily basis – to have a family gathering or not, to wear a mask in public or not, to travel of stay home. These are decisions that each of us has to make, but making the right choice can save your life and your loved ones. Please be strong, pray for yourselves, and remember our ancestors who sacrificed for us to be here now. Please stay home as much as possible, wear a mask in public, practice social distancing, wash your hands often, and avoid large gatherings,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 10:00 a.m. (MDT), President Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer will host an online town hall on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page to provide updates on COVID-19. Updates on the 2020 Census will also be provided during the town hall.

“Our health care system was strained by the initial outbreak of COVID-19 in March and April. If another large surge occurs, our health care facilities will be overwhelmed. Please do not take your health for granted and please be safe and take care of your elders. This is also the time to prepare your homes and families for the upcoming winter season. Prayers and good practices will overcome this pandemic,” said Vice President 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.