The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2020

8 new cases, 7,179 recoveries, and six more deaths deaths related to COVID-19 as 32-hour partial weekend lockdown continues

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Sunday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 8 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and six more deaths. The total number of deaths remains 536 as of Sunday. Reports indicate that 7,179 individuals have recovered from COVID-19 and 99,217 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 9,977.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

· Chinle Service Unit: 2,352
· Crownpoint Service Unit: 816
· Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 952
· Gallup Service Unit: 1,596
· Kayenta Service Unit: 1,319
· Shiprock Service Unit: 1,509
· Tuba City Service Unit: 949
· Winslow Service Unit: 478

* 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 is currently in effect 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 Sunday, the state of Utah reported 628 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 384 new cases, and New Mexico reported 103.

“Our daily numbers of new COVID-19 cases will continue to fluctuate, but our goal is to keep the numbers as low as possible. We do not know the impact of the Labor Day weekend yet, but we are optimistic that our Navajo people continue to practice all of the preventative measures recommended by our health care experts. During the 32-hour partial weekend lockdown, please use this time to prepare for the upcoming winter season, to self-respond for the 2020 Census, and to spend time with your loved ones at home. Please continue to wear your masks, wash your hands, practice social distancing, avoid large crowds, and stay home as much as possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

The Nez-Lizer Administration continues to encourage everyone to get counted for the 2020 Census. You can self-respond by mail, by telephone by calling (844) 330-2020, or online at 2020Census.gov.

“We offer our thoughts and prayers to the families of the six individuals who recently lost their lives to COVID-19. As this pandemic continues, please remain mindful of the risks that we all face on a daily basis and continue to pray for yourselves and others. We will overcome this virus little by little so please remain hopeful and continue fighting it 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.