The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2021

6 new cases, 29,424 recoveries, and four more deaths related to COVID-19

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Wednesday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported six new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and four more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 1,306 as of Wednesday. Reports indicate that 29,424 individuals have recovered from COVID-19 – this total was revised since Tuesday. 272,997 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 30,793, including two delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 5,596
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,959
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 3,664
• Gallup Service Unit: 4,885
• Kayenta Service Unit: 2,732
• Shiprock Service Unit: 5,214
• 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 Wednesday, the state of Arizona reported 656 new cases, Utah reported 268, and New Mexico reported 167 cases. 

“The Navajo Nation went from having one of the highest per capita infection rates in the country to some of the lowest daily infection numbers we have seen on a consistent basis, and that’s thanks to our Navajo people, frontline warriors, and many others who did not back down but stood up to the virus by wearing masks and following protocols. We are not out of the pandemic and we can expect to see new daily cases for some time until we get more and more of our people vaccinated. People can still get the virus even after being fully vaccinated, but the vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe symptoms and greater numbers of hospitalizations and deaths. If you or a loved one have not received the vaccine, please consider getting vaccinated to help protect yourself and others. Remember that we are in this together and it takes all of us to overcome this virus. Please continue to take precautions and to pray for one another,” 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 pandemic has taken its toll on our people, especially when it comes to the physical and mental health of our loved ones. It’s affected everyone in one way or another and we are still working to overcome the challenges day by day, but as President Nez often mentions, it is the strength and teachings of our ancestors and elders that continue to push us forward and allow us to overcome the adversities. So please continue to support one another and to pray for our people and frontline workers,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.

The Nez-Lizer Administration will host an online town hall on Thursday, May 27 at 10:00 a.m. on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page and YouTube channel to provide more COVID-19 updates. 

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.