The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2021

54 new cases, 31,622 recoveries, and two recent deaths related to COVID-19

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 54 new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation and two recent deaths. The total number of deaths is 1,428. The report indicates that 31,622 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 329,552 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The overall total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 33,394. 

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 6,078
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 3,253
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 3,983
• Gallup Service Unit: 5,300
• Kayenta Service Unit: 2,932
• Shiprock Service Unit: 5,655
• Tuba City Service Unit: 4,077
• Winslow Service Unit: 2,097

* 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 2,855 new cases, Utah reported 1,885 cases and New Mexico reported 882 new cases. 

“We are aware of the concerns regarding COVID-19 risks in schools. Parents must keep their children home if they have symptoms related to COVID-19 to avoid the possible spread of the virus among students, teachers, and others. It’s been over one year that we’ve been dealing with COVID-19. We know what the risks are, and we know how to protect ourselves. So, please stay home, do your best to isolate yourself as much as possible if you have symptoms, and get tested as soon as you can. We are in this together, so please remember that the decisions we make and our actions impact others as well. If you choose to travel to cities off the Nation and don’t wear a mask or take precautions, you are increasing the risk of spreading COVID-19 to your loved ones when you return home. Be safe and please take all precautions against COVID-19,” 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, don’t hesitate to contact your health care provider for more information for your Service Unit. 

“Contact tracers are doing their very best to identify possible exposures to COVID-19 and limit the spread of the virus, and our frontline workers continue to work hard to save lives as well. They are sacrificing so much for us all, so please think of them and their families. Wear a mask in public, and please limit in-person social and family gatherings until we see a consistent decline in new cases. Please be safe and keep praying for our people,” 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: https://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. For COVID-19 related questions and information, call (928) 871-7014.