The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2021

20 new cases, 16,431 recoveries, and no deaths related to COVID-19 reported for fifth consecutive day

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Thursday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 20 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 1,262 as previously reported. Reports indicate that 16,431 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 259,672 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 30,338.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 5,545
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,924
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 3,611
• Gallup Service Unit: 4,805
• Kayenta Service Unit: 2,692
• Shiprock Service Unit: 5,091
• Tuba City Service Unit: 3,677
• Winslow Service Unit: 1,974

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

On Thursday, the state of Arizona reported 460 new cases, Utah reported 456, and New Mexico reported 230. 

“We have two variants identified on the Navajo Nation, so we all have to continue taking all precautions including wearing a mask and avoiding large in-person family gatherings. Through contact tracing conducted by our health care workers, it appears that many of the new infections reported on the Navajo Nation are due to in-person family gatherings including ceremonies. We have to be mindful that we are still in the midst of this pandemic and despite some states lifting mandates, we continue to require face masks and other protocols. Stay home as much as possible, wear a mask, avoid large 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 all have to do our part to keep our guard up to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19 and the variants. We truly appreciate all of the hard work of our health care workers and first responders. Please think of them and the sacrifices they are making for us all. Please be safe and continue to pray,” 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.