The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 24, 2021

2 new cases, 29,408 recoveries, and no recent 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 two new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 1,301 as previously reported. Reports indicate that 29,408 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 272,446 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 30,780.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 5,595
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,959
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 3,663
• Gallup Service Unit: 4,883
• Kayenta Service Unit: 2,729
• Shiprock Service Unit: 5,208
• Tuba City Service Unit: 3,738
• Winslow Service Unit: 1,986

* 19 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 450 new cases, Utah reported 148, and New Mexico reported 366 cases over the weekend and Monday. The Navajo Department of Health identified seven communities with “uncontrolled spread” of COVID-19 from May 7, 2021 to May 20, 2021 in the latest Health Advisory Notice issued on Monday, which includes Baca/Prewitt, Chichiltah, Counselor, Naschitti, Newcomb, Indian Wells, Nageezi, Rock Springs, and Upper Fruitland. 

“We have to keep our guard up despite our low numbers of reported cases and deaths. The vaccines are a key part of our fight against COVID-19, so please get vaccinated if you have not done so already. Our Navajo people and our frontline warriors have done so much to bring our numbers down, so please remain diligent and remain strong as we move forward. Please continue to wear masks in public, wash your hands often, practice social distancing, avoid large in-person gatherings, and limit travel as much as possible,” 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. 

The Nez-Lizer Administration will host an online town hall on Tuesday, May 25^th at 10:00 a.m. (MDT) on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page and YouTube channel to provide COVID-19 updates.

“As we continue to come out of this pandemic day by day, we know that mental health is a great concern for many of our people. We have to continue to provide support for one another, especially for our elders. Please continue to pray for our people and make good choices to keep us all safe and healthy,” 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.