The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2021

6 new cases, 16,184 recoveries, and two more deaths related to COVID-19 

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Monday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 6 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and two more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 1,203 as of Monday. Reports indicate that 16,184 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 246,802 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 29,873, including one delayed reported case.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 5,495
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,859
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 3,558
• Gallup Service Unit: 4,724
• Kayenta Service Unit: 2,640
• Shiprock Service Unit: 5,015
• Tuba City Service Unit: 3,621
• Winslow Service Unit: 1,943

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

On Monday, the state of Arizona reported 783 new cases, Utah reported 259, and New Mexico reported 126 new cases. The Navajo Nation’s daily curfew remains in effect from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (MST) seven days a week. The Navajo Department of Health issued Public Health Emergency Order No. 2021-04, continuing the Navajo Nation’s stay-at-home order and daily curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (MST), seven days a week. The latest order is in effect until March 15 at 5:00 a.m. (MST). 

“Today marks 22 consecutive days with less than 50 new COVID-19 infections reported. We are cautiously optimistic that we will continue to see more improvements as long as all residents of the Navajo Nation continue to take all precautions such as staying home as much as possible, wearing one or two masks in public, avoiding large crowds, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands often. These are the precautions put forth by public health experts to keep us safe and healthy, so let’s honor and remember all of those we have lost to this virus by continuing to adhere to these precautionary measures. Some states are lifting all restrictions, but we will continue to take a conservative approach as we move forward while prioritizing the health and well-being of our people. Vaccines continue to be administered and they provide another tool to help keep all of us safer. We are in this fight against COVID-19 together and we are overcoming it one day at a time,” said President Nez.

Health care facilities across the Navajo Nation continue to administer COVID-19 vaccines during drive-thru events or by appointment. If you would like to receive the vaccine, please contact your health care provider for more information for your Service Unit. 

“After receiving the vaccines, we have to continue to take precautions. The vaccines are highly effective, but they do not guarantee against infection of COVID-19. We all have to continue doing our part to keep ourselves and our communities safe. Please continue to be safe and continue to inform your elders about the COVID-19 variants that are spreading in certain regions,” 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.