The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 20, 2021

15 new cases, 38,904 recoveries, and no deaths related to COVID-19 reported, 38 communities identified with uncontrolled spread

WINDOW ROCK, Arizona – On Monday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 15 new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 1,576. The report indicates that 38,904 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 408,490 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The overall total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 40,822, including seven delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 7,249
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 3,891
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 4,723
• Gallup Service Unit: 6,686
• Kayenta Service Unit: 3,491
• Shiprock Service Unit: 7,308
• Tuba City Service Unit: 5,038
• Winslow Service Unit: 2,414

* 22 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 2,176 new cases. The state of Utah reported 2,522 new cases, and New Mexico reported 3,110, which includes weekend numbers. Based on cases from Dec. 3 to Dec. 16, 2021, the Navajo Department of Health issued a Health Advisory Notice for the following 38 communities due to uncontrolled spread of COVID-19:

“The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced on Monday that the Omicron variant is now the most dominant variant across the country. Scientists continue to monitor and study the Omicron variant. Our health care experts continue to urge our people to get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and get a booster shot, if you’re eligible. Our frontline warriors are fighting hard against this invisible monster, each and every day. Let’s be very cautious, take precautions, and push back on this virus to help our frontline warriors and to keep our loved ones safe and healthy,” 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 know what we have to do to reduce the risks of COVID-19 and lessen the number of infections in our communities. It ultimately comes down to our choices and our actions on a daily basis. Please practice the safety measures put forth by the health experts and continue to pray for our people and our first responders,” 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.