The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 18, 2020

42 new cases, 7,381 recoveries, and one more death related to COVID-19 

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 42 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths is now 573 as of Sunday, including one delayed reported death. Reports indicate that 7,381 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 116,368 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 10,955.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 2,500
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 1,007
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,136
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,718
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,358
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,693
• Tuba City Service Unit: 1,023
• Winslow Service Unit: 512

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

The Navajo Nation’s 56-hour weekend lockdown remains in effect until Monday, Oct. 19 at 5:00 a.m. (MDT). On Sunday, the state of New Mexico reported 448 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 742 new cases, and Utah reported 1,097.

“The Navajo people are resilient and we know how to beat COVID-19. On September 8^th, we had zero new cases and several weeks later we’re at this point. We did it before and we have the power to do it again. Let’s work together and continue listening to our public health experts and to rely on data. Contact tracers and health care workers are doing a great job helping to contain the spread of COVID-19, but they can’t stop people from traveling, that is an individual choice that each of us has to make to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Please stay home, wash your hands, wear a mask, practice social distancing, and avoid crowds,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Tuesday, Oct. 20 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.

“We cannot thank the first responders enough for everything they are doing to save lives. Protect your loved ones, especially your elders, children, and those with health conditions. Make good decisions and remain diligent in your daily activities. Please pray for protection and your health and well-being,” 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.