The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2021

5 new cases, 16,326 recoveries, and four more deaths related to COVID-19

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Saturday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the NavajoArea Indian Health Service, reported five new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and four more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 1,233 as of Saturday. Reports indicate that 16,326 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 250,930 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 29,998, including one delayed reported case.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 5,514
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,869
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 3,574
• Gallup Service Unit: 4,742
• Kayenta Service Unit: 2,649
• Shiprock Service Unit: 5,026
• Tuba City Service Unit: 3,642
• Winslow Service Unit: 1,964

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

On Saturday, the state of Arizona reported 735 new cases, Utah reported 467, and New Mexico reported 191 new cases. 

“This week, we honored and remembered all of the lives lost to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. Let’s continue to honor them by supporting one another and keeping everyone safe by continuing to take all precautions. When we wear a mask, we are protecting ourselves and showing that we respect the health and safety of others as well. Each one of us has an important role in keeping our numbers of COVID-19 cases low. With the spread of variants in this country, the safest place to be is at home here on the Navajo Nation. Please continue to stay home as much as possible, wear one or two masks in public and near others who do not reside under the same household as you, avoid large crowds and gatherings, practice social distancing, and wash your hands often,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan 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. 

“We are overcoming COVID-19 day by day, but it takes all of us working together to maintain the downward trend in new infections and hospitalizations. Our health care workers continue to administer the vaccines this week to help our people and protect our communities. Please continue to pray for guidance, strength, and protection during this challenging time,” 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.