The Navajo Nation 

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2022

405 new cases, 40,301 recoveries, and no deaths related to COVID-19

WINDOW ROCK, Arizona – On Thursday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 405 new COVID-19 cases, the highest daily count for the Navajo Nation during the pandemic, and no deaths. The total number of deaths is 1,599, including one delayed reported death. The report indicates that 40,301 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 439,841 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The overall total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 44,374, including 148 delayed reported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 8,200
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 4,146
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 4,946
• Gallup Service Unit: 7,363
• Kayenta Service Unit: 3,880
• Shiprock Service Unit: 7,898
• Tuba City Service Unit: 5,390
• Winslow Service Unit: 2,529

* 22 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 18,573 new cases, the state of Utah reported 10,220 new cases, and New Mexico reported 5,547. Public Health Emergency Order No. 2022-02 remains in effect declaring “Red Status” for schools due to the increase in cases due to the Omicron variant. Last year, the Navajo Nation developed the “Navajo Nation COVID-19 Safe Schools Framework” to guide COVID-19 mitigation within schools, which is posted online at: https://www.navajoreopening.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19-Safe-Schools-Framework. 

“Today’s high number of cases should serve as a strong reminder to all of our Navajo people to get fully vaccinated, get a booster shot if you’re eligible, wear two protective masks in public, limit travel, and stay home as much as possible. The Omicron variant is spreading in our communities and it is highly-contagious, so we all have to step up our efforts to keep ourselves and others safe. At this point, no one should be visiting people who do not live within your own immediate household and please do not hold large in-person family gatherings such as birthday parties. Schools are strongly urged to offer hybrid learning for students and parents who want to keep their children home and continue their school work virtually. Health officials report that the Omicron variant is more contagious, but the vaccines are effective in preventing severe symptoms and hospitalizations. Keep taking proper precautions and remain home as much as possible,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

Health care facilities on 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.

“According to health officials, the rise caused by the Omicron variant is peaking across the country. We all have to remain diligent and keep taking precautions to keep ourselves safe and healthy as this trend continues. We are hopeful that this surge peaks very soon and that we see a decline in the spread of the virus soon. Please continue to pray and support one another through these challenging times,” 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.