The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 4, 2020

168 new cases, 9,768 recoveries, and two more deaths related to COVID-19

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Friday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 168 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and two more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 665 as of Friday. Reports indicate that 9,768 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 169,634 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 17,495, including 17 delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 3,544
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 1,892
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,819
• Gallup Service Unit: 2,874
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,799
• Shiprock Service Unit: 2,741
• Tuba City Service Unit: 1,774
• Winslow Service Unit: 1,031

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

On Friday, the state of New Mexico reported 2,080 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Utah reported 3,005 cases, and Arizona reported 5,680.

“The numbers of new cases on the Navajo Nation and in the states of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico are very alarming. Our health care providers reported on Thursday that the Navajo Nation’s health care system is now in crisis mode. Yet, there are still far too many people out in public and traveling. Our doctors, nurses, EMT’s, and other first responders are making great sacrifices and literally put their lives on the line to treat COVID-19 patients. All of us have to step and stop the unnecessary travel and adhere to the recommendations of the public health experts. Stay home during the lockdown, wear a mask, avoid gatherings and crowds, practice social distancing, and wash your hands often,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Thursday, the Nez-Lizer Administration held a virtual forum in which several Navajo Area IHS medical and health care providers stated that the Navajo Nation is now in a major health care crisis and pleaded with the public to stay home and take precautions to help reduce the overwhelming surge in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. The entire forum is available online at: https://youtu.be/yfOg3RANG-A.

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. A new public health order will be issued soon to extend the stay-at-home lockdown and to reimplement the 57-hour weekend lockdowns.

“Be strong and make good decisions that protect you and your family. We cannot see the virus, but it is among our communities. Please do your part to help our health care workers because they are struggling right now and they are pleading with the public to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Be safe and continue to pray for our people and our communities,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.

For more information, including helpful prevention tips, and resources to help stop the spread of COVID-19, visit the NavajoDepartment 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.