The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 19, 2020

14 new cases, 6,989 recoveries, and no new deaths related to COVID-19 as Navajo leaders urge citizens to stay safe

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Wednesday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 14 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths is 484 as of Wednesday. Reports indicate that 6,989 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. 90,064 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases is 9,500.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 2,291
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 795
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 742
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,524
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,294
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,481
• Tuba City Service Unit: 920
• Winslow Service Unit: 449

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

Health experts continue to advise that staying home is the best preventative measure to stop the coronavirus spread. When out in public places, wear a face mask, and stay six feet away from others to minimize exposure.

“The number of cases has been decreasing on the Navajo Nation for several weeks, and we commend all Navajo residents for staying alert, prepared, and safe. This invisible monster, called the coronavirus, has entered our homelands for several months, but we can fight it off our lands by practicing all preventative measures. We have to avoid another spike of cases because many of our first responders and healthcare providers have been working around the clock to keep us safe. We thank them for the hard work they do to ensure our safety and well-being,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

President Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer urge Navajo citizens to help stop the spread of COVID-19 by maintaining a six feet distance from others, wearing a face mask, covering your cough and sneeze, cleaning and disinfecting commonly-used surfaces, staying home and isolating if you are sick, and washing your hands for at least 20 seconds.

“We must follow the health guidelines to keep our elders, families, and communities safe from the virus. As many people experience grief, anxiety, stress, or fear, we continue to pray for your well-being. We will overcome this together,” said Vice President 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 at http://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. For COVID-19 related questions and information, call ‪‪(928) 871-7014‪.