The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2020

16 new cases, 7,176 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19

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 16 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 530 as previously reported on Thursday. Reports indicate that 7,176 individuals have recovered from COVID-19 and 98,998 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 9,952, which includes three previously unreported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

· Chinle Service Unit: 2,350
· Crownpoint Service Unit: 815
· Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 947
· Gallup Service Unit: 1,591
· Kayenta Service Unit: 1,319
· Shiprock Service Unit: 1,509
· Tuba City Service Unit: 948
· Winslow Service Unit: 467

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

The Navajo Nation will have a 32-hour partial weekend lockdown beginning on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020 at 9:00 p.m. until Monday, Sept. 14 at 5:00 a.m. (MDT) to help control and prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation. On Friday, the state of Utah reported 656 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 521 new cases, and New Mexico reported 137.

“The states of Arizona and Utah reported large increases in the numbers of new COVID-19 cases while New Mexico decreased slightly since yesterday. This is a clear indication that there is still substantial risk of contracting the virus if you choose to travel off the Navajo Nation to other towns and cities. Our health experts, the people who have led us from having some of the highest numbers of cases in the country to the low numbers we have today, are urging everyone not to travel off the Nation. We have to be diligent and listen to their advice if we want to keep our numbers low. Stay home, wear your mask, wash your hands, practice social distancing, and avoid large crowds,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

On Friday, the Nez-Lizer Administration distributed care packages to 439 families at Alamo Chapter, Tohajilee Chapter, Casamero Lake Chapter, and Little Water Chapter. U.S. Census staff were also on hand to provide information, answer questions, and help residents self-respond for the 2020 Census.

“The Nez-Lizer Administration is committed to preventing the spread of COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation, but we all have to continue working together to keep our numbers low. We are hopeful that we won’t see a large spike in new COVID-19 cases due to the recent Labor Day weekend. Please continue to listen to our health care experts and please continue to pray for everyone that is fighting for their lives and those who are recovering from the virus. We will overcome this pandemic together,” 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.