The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2021

96 new cases, 36,363 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19, Navajo Department of Health recommends COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters

WINDOW ROCK, Arizona – On Friday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the NavajoArea Indian Health Service, reported 96 new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths is 1,518. The report indicates that 36,363 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 382,386 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The overall total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 38,742, including 30 delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 6,760
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 3,691
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 4,599
• Gallup Service Unit: 6,374
• Kayenta Service Unit: 3,308
• Shiprock Service Unit: 6,921
• Tuba City Service Unit: 4,775
• Winslow Service Unit: 2,292

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

On Friday, the state of Arizona reported 5,070 new cases, Utah reported 1,764 new cases, and the state of New Mexico reported 1,844 cases. The Navajo Department of Health issued a Health Advisory Notice on Friday, expanding the COVID-19 booster dose eligibility on the Navajo Nation to address the widespread and continuing surge of COVID-19 infections. The advisory recommends Navajo citizens and residents who are 18 years old and older to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. 

“We need more of our Navajo people to get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and to get their booster shot before the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. In the past, the data has shown that we’ve experienced increases in new infections following major holidays where many families gathered. This holiday season, we have the vaccines, and we know how to take measures to protect ourselves and others. Talk to your family and friends who are hesitant to get the vaccine to get vaccinated so we can end the pandemic. Speaking with a person makes a big difference in helping them decide to get vaccinated. Listen to their concerns and give them the facts and the encouragement they need to get to a vaccination site. Together, we can make our Nation safer and healthier,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

Health care facilities across the Navajo Nation continue to administer COVID-19 vaccines. If you would like to receive one of the COVID-19 vaccines, please contact your health care provider and schedule an appointment.

“We have to continue to support each other, to pray for our loved ones, and encourage our family and friends to get the vaccine and the booster dosage. Getting the vaccine is a tremendous service to yourself, your children, your coworkers, and your 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.