The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2020

117 new cases, 7,926 recoveries, and four more deaths related to COVID-19 as three-week stay-at-home lockdown set to begin

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 117 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and four more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 602 as of Sunday. Reports indicate that 7,926 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 138,332 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 13,373, including seven delayed unreported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 2,941
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 1,463
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,348
• Gallup Service Unit: 2,054
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,493
• Shiprock Service Unit: 2,001
• Tuba City Service Unit: 1,376
• Winslow Service Unit: 688

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

The Navajo Nation’s latest COVID-19 public health emergency orders go into effect on Monday, Nov. 16, which implement a three-week stay-at-home lockdown for the entire Navajo Nation, implement new safety provisions and requirements for businesses, and calls for schools to implement online learning only, to help reduce the uncontrollable spread of COVID-19.

On Sunday, the state of New Mexico reported 1,033 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 2,383 new cases, and Utah reported 2,667 cases.

“Unfortunately, it appears that this pandemic is going to get worse before it gets better. The projections from our health care experts indicate that the Navajo Nation, as well as the country, is on an upward trajectory in terms of new cases of COVID-19. The sooner we all do our part to stay home consistently, avoid gatherings, and social distance, the sooner we will reach our peak and hopefully begin to see a decline in new cases. If our Navajo citizens don’t abide by the three-week stay-at-home lockdown, then we’re going to see even more cases and our health care system is going to be overwhelmed very quickly. We have to do it ourselves. Our leaders and health experts can caution every one constantly, but each of you has to make good choices and stay home as much as possible. Please hold yourselves and your loved ones accountable and please pray for our Nation,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Monday, an Executive Order will go into effect for the closure of government offices with the exception of essential employees for the next three weeks. Division directors are directed to determine which employees are essential and non-essential and to ensure their respective divisions continue essential services, including continuing with CARES Act fund projects.

“We must do better and must not lose hope at this time. We are praying for everyone who is struggling and everyone who has lost a loved one. Be safe and do everything you can to protect yourself and your family members, especially our elders and children. If you need to purchase groceries or other essential items, send only one person into the store to shop to reduce the risk of COVID-19. Most importantly, continue to pray and be strong,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.

To encourage residents to stay local during the three-week stay-at-home lockdown, gas stations, grocery stores, laundromats, and restaurants and food establishments will remain open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. (MST) and 3:00 p.m. (MST). These businesses are required to ensure employees and customers wear masks, practice social distancing, disinfect high-touch surfaces, access to hand wash stations, sanitizers and gloves, and limit the number of customers in any enclosed areas.

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.