The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 24, 2020

6,503 recoveries, 34 new cases, and two more deaths related to COVID-19 reported as Navajo Nation’s 57-hour weekend lockdown begins

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Friday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 34 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and two more deaths. The total number of deaths has reached 434 as of Friday.

Reports indicate that approximately 6,503 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 76,367 people have been tested for COVID-19. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation is 8,768.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 2,186
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 740
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 601
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,427
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,235
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,370
• Tuba City Service Unit: 810
• Winslow Service Unit: 396

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

The Navajo Nation’s 57-hour weekend lockdown began on Friday, July 24 at 8:00 p.m. until Monday, July 27 at 5:00 a.m. All businesses on the Navajo Nation will be closed for the duration of the weekend lockdown.

“We are cautiously optimistic that our COVID-19 numbers on the Navajo Nation will continue to flatten as long as our people continue to wear masks, practice social distancing, stay home as much as possible, wash hands often, and avoid large gatherings. The states of New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona are seeing high numbers still and it’s a big challenge for their health care systems. Our health care system on the Navajo Nation will be devastated if we have another spike in cases, so please make good decisions and protect yourselves and your loved ones,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Friday, the state of Arizona reported 3,349 new cases of COVID-19, while New Mexico reported 317 new cases, and Utah reported 863 new cases. The Department of Health and the Health Command Operations Center is also preparing for the upcoming winter flu season, which will present more challenges, as well as a vaccination plan once a COVID-19 vaccine is proven to be safe and made available.

“The weekend lockdowns are a great opportunity to get work done around the house, to spend time with your loved ones, and learn new crafts and other valuable skills. Please continue to watch over your children and elders and take care of them. We continue to pray every day for all of our Navajo people and our first responders. Please stay home, stay safe, and save lives,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.

For more information, including helpful prevention tips, and resources to help stop the spread of COVID-19, visit the NavajoDepartment of Health’s COVID-19 website at http://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. For COVID-19 related questions and information, call (928) 871-7014.