The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 28, 2020

258 new cases, 8,609 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Saturday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 258 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 648 as previously reported on Friday. Reports indicate that 8,609 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 155,113 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 16,223, including 11 delayed unreported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 3,347
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 1,788
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,688
• Gallup Service Unit: 2,647
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,700
• Shiprock Service Unit: 2,486
• Tuba City Service Unit: 1,660
• Winslow Service Unit: 892

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

On Saturday, the state of New Mexico reported 2,142 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 4,136 new cases, and Utah reported 2,043.

“The spread of COVID-19 completely depends on the movement of people. We have the ability to dramatically reduce the spread of this virus by staying home, but not enough people are making the right decisions. We have too many people that are continuing to travel, to go to stores for frivolous items, and holding family gatherings. We have to do better in order to prevent a major health care crisis and to avoid overwhelming our hospitals. I’m certain that no one wants to lose a loved one to this virus, so please be strong and make good decisions for your family. Stay home, wear a mask, practice social distancing, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

The Navajo Nation’s three-week stay-at-home lockdown is in effect 24-hours a day, seven days a week with the exception of essential workers, cases of emergencies, and to purchase essential items such as food and medication when essential businesses are open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily. Navajo Area IHS and 638 hospitals continue to offer COVID-19 drive-thru testing sites.

“The numbers of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are very alarming and they are not trending the way we want them to. We have to step it up and make choices that keep our families safe from this virus. Be safe and continue to pray. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, but it is taking time to get there. We will overcome this pandemic together,” 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.