The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 27, 2021

12 new cases, 39,230 recoveries, and no deaths related to COVID-19, 30 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 12 new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 1,583. The report indicates that 39,230 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 412,781 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The overall total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 41,068, including 21 delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 7,308
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 3,913
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 4,743
• Gallup Service Unit: 6,737
• Kayenta Service Unit: 3,505
• Shiprock Service Unit: 7,352
• Tuba City Service Unit: 5,064
• Winslow Service Unit: 2,424

* 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 7,641 new cases, which includes delayed reported cases due to the recent holiday. The state of Utah reported 4,645 new cases, and New Mexico reported 3,309, which includes case numbers from Dec. 23 through Monday. Based on cases from Dec. 10 to Dec. 23, 2021, the Navajo Department of Health issued a Health Advisory Notice for the following 30 communities due to uncontrolled spread of COVID-19:

“The data across the country shows that the large majority of new COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths are among people who are unvaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccines save lives and are highly-effective in reducing the severity of symptoms if you do get the virus. If you are already fully vaccinated and are eligible to receive a booster shot, please make plans to do so as soon as possible. While no cases of the Omicron variant have been detected here on the Navajo Nation, the variant is spreading very quickly in other areas near and around our communities. Please do everything you can to protect yourselves and your loved ones,” 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.

“The more precautions we take to protect ourselves and others, the less burden we place on our health care workers and first responders. We have to remain diligent and do everything we can to save lives and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Please be safe, take precautions, 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: http://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. For COVID-19 related questions and information, call (928) 871-7014.