The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 16, 2021

7 new cases, 30,227 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 seven new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 1,390 as previously reported. The report indicates that 30,227 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 300,808 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The overall total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 31,957, including 13 delayed reported cases. 

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 5,824
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 3,060
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 3,816
• Gallup Service Unit: 5,075
• Kayenta Service Unit: 2,843
• Shiprock Service Unit: 5,408
• Tuba City Service Unit: 3,876
• Winslow Service Unit: 2,036

* 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 2,400 new cases. Utah reported 2,423 cases, and New Mexico reported 1,776 new cases, which includes weekend cases. The Navajo Department of Health issued three new Public Health Emergency Orders declaring “Orange Status” for businesses, schools, and revising in-person gathering limits for certain events, which went into effect on Monday, August 16, 2021. The public health emergency orders are available online at: https://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. 

“Today’s number of new cases is low compared to recent days, but we acknowledge that it is likely due to delayed reporting over the weekend. The mask mandate remains in effect for the entire Navajo Nation and that includes all businesses and schools. We continue to encourage all eligible individuals to get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and to minimize in-person social and family gatherings until we see a consistent reduction in new cases. Our medical and health professionals continue to provide us with the data and the guidance needed to protect ourselves and others, so please adhere to their advice and recommendations including mask wearing and social distancing. We are in this together and we must continue to support each other,” 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. 

“If you feel symptoms related to COVID-19, it’s critical that you isolate yourself as much as possible and get tested as soon as you can. Contact tracers are finding that many of the recent cases are due to in-person family gatherings where people let their guard down and don’t wear masks. So, please continue to take precautions and please keep praying for our frontline workers and our communities,” 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.