The Navajo Nation

Office of the President and Vice President

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 14, 2020

5 new cases, 7,181 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Monday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 5 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 536 as previously reported on Sunday. Reports indicate that 7,181 individuals have recovered from COVID-19 and 99,895 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 9,982.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

· Chinle Service Unit: 2,352
· Crownpoint Service Unit: 817
· Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 952
· Gallup Service Unit: 1,596
· Kayenta Service Unit: 1,319
· Shiprock Service Unit: 1,512
· Tuba City Service Unit: 950
· 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 will have a 32-hour partial weekend lockdown beginning on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 9:00 p.m. and last until Monday, Sept. 21 at 5:00 a.m. (MDT) to help control and prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation. On Monday, the state of Utah reported 563 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 213 new cases, and New Mexico reported 81.

“We all have to do our part to help keep the daily number of COVID-19 cases low, and that includes holding our family members accountable. If someone in your family traveled to a hot spot recently, please tell them to quarantine for 14 days in accordance with CDC guidelines. The states of Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico continue to report relatively high numbers every day, which continues to pose substantial risk for Navajo Nation residents when they choose to travel. 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 will distribute care packages on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020 at Rock Point Chapter at 1:00 p.m., Round Rock Chapter at 3:00 p.m., and Lukachukai Chapter at 5:00 p.m. U.S. Census representatives will also be on-site to help answer questions, provide information, and help residents self-respond for the 2020 Census.

“With each day that we see a low number of new cases, the light at the end of this dark tunnel gets a little brighter for many. However, we must also remember that there are many families across the Navajo Nation who have lost loved ones. It’s important that all of us keep these families in our prayers, along with the first responders who continue to fight for us each day. We are strong and resilient and we will overcome this COVID-19 pandemic together,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.

The Nez-Lizer Administration also 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 https://2020census.gov‪.

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.