The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2020

160 new cases, 10,726 recoveries, and five more deaths related to COVID-19 as Department of Health identifies 77 communities with uncontrolled spread

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Tuesday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 160 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and five more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 727 as of Tuesday. Reports indicate that 10,726 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 185,366 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 19,929, including three delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 3,850
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,114
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 2,130
• Gallup Service Unit: 3,288
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,951
• Shiprock Service Unit: 3,294
• Tuba City Service Unit: 2,072
• Winslow Service Unit: 1,209

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

On Tuesday, the state of Arizona reported 4,134 new cases, Utah reported 1,915, and New Mexico reported 1,275 new cases. The Navajo Department of Health identified the following 77 communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 from Nov. 27 to Dec. 10, 2020:

* Chapters recently added to the list

“We are finally getting some much-needed relief for our health care workers and those working and residing in long-term assisted living facilities with the Pfizer vaccine, but we have to keep fighting hard and not let up on COVID-19. Due to the high demand for the vaccines and the time it takes to transport and administer, it will take time for it to be made available to the general public. We have to stay strong, remain optimistic, and keep focusing on protecting ourselves and our loved ones. We are still in a three-week lockdown, so please remain home as much as possible, wear a mask, avoid crowds, practice social distancing, and wash your hands often,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

“It’s great to see that health care workers are receiving the first dose of the vaccine. It will require a lot of coordination to complete the vaccination process, so we have to be patient and continue to follow the guidelines to stay safe. Please do not let up and keep praying,” 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.