The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2020

6 new cases, 7,142 recoveries, and two more deaths related to COVID-19 reported as 32-hour partial weekend lockdown takes effect

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Saturday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported six new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation. Saturday’s report also included two recently reported deaths that occurred between the months of May and August from state disease surveillance systems – reporting of the deaths was delayed due to late notification from several states. The total number of deaths is now 522 as of Saturday. Reports indicate that 7,142 individuals have recovered from COVID-19 and 96,866 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 9,891, which includes two additional cases that were delayed in reporting.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 2,339
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 812
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 937
• Gallup Service Unit: 1,579
• Kayenta Service Unit: 1,308
• Shiprock Service Unit: 1,503
• Tuba City Service Unit: 941
• Winslow Service Unit: 466

* Six residences with COVID-19 positive cases are not specific enough to place

them accurately in a Service Unit.

The Navajo Nation’s 32-hour partial weekend lockdown begins on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 9:00 p.m. (MDT), which will last until Monday, Sept. 7 at 5:00 a.m. (MDT) to help control and prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation. On Saturday, the state of Utah reported 433 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 836 new cases, and New Mexico reported 152.

“The new numbers indicate that our Navajo people are continuing to listen to the advice of our health care experts, but we have to remember that this pandemic is expected to last for at least the remainder of the year. We cannot let up and have to keep fighting COVID-19. Unfortunately, there are reports of Navajo Nation residents traveling during this holiday weekend and putting themselves and their families at risk. These individuals have to understand that they are risking the health of their loved ones when they travel to hotspots and return home. Please think of others and not just yourselves. Please continue to wear your masks, wash your hands often, stay home as much as possible, avoid large crowds, and practice social distancing,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Saturday, the Nez-Lizer Administration distributed care packages, bottled water, and masks to 401 families in the communities of Black Mesa, Blue Gap/Tachee, and Tselani/Cottonwood. The U.S. Census office was also present to help residents respond for the 2020 Census.

“Our frontline warriors are doing their best and fighting hard for all of us. Please continue to pray for their well-being as well as their families. They are making sacrifices beyond what we know, in order to keep our Navajo people healthy and safe from the coronavirus. During the lockdown, please use this time to spend with your loved ones and to prepare for the upcoming winter season. Keep fighting hard and working together to overcome this pandemic,” 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.