The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2021

19 new cases, 39,276 recoveries, and no deaths related to COVID-19

WINDOW ROCK, Arizona – On Tuesday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 19 new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 1,583. The report indicates that 39,276 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 413,359 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The overall total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 41,121, including 34 delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 7,325
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 3,914
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 4,752
• Gallup Service Unit: 6,738
• Kayenta Service Unit: 3,510
• Shiprock Service Unit: 7,354
• Tuba City Service Unit: 5,077
• Winslow Service Unit: 2,429

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

On Tuesday, the state of Arizona reported 1,976 new cases, the state of Utah reported 1,816 new cases, and New Mexico reported 799.

“It has been 21 months since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed on the Navajo Nation. Since then, we’ve learned a lot about this virus through the work of scientists, health experts, and through our personal experiences. At this point, we all know what we have to do to protect ourselves and others and to lessen the spread of COVID-19. It ultimately comes down to the choices we make as individuals on a daily basis and that includes getting fully vaccinated. The data shows that the COVID-19 vaccines are highly-effective in saving lives. Please continue to listen to our health care experts and take precautions,” 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.

“As you go about your daily activities, please be mindful of the hard work and sacrifices that our health care workers are making for all of us. Our frontline workers need our help to reduce the number of COVID-19 infections to lessen the burden placed on our health care system. 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.