6:44 pm PRESS RELEASE – 321 total positive cases of COVID-19 for the Navajo Nation, one more death confirmed
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The total number of positive tests for COVID-19 has reached 321 for the Navajo Nation as of Saturday – an increase of 51 cases since Friday, according to the Navajo Department of Health and Navajo Area Indian Health Service, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center. There is now a total of 13 confirmed deaths related to COVID-19. There was 1,796 negative results as of Thursday.
The 321 confirmed positive cases include the following counties:
Navajo County, AZ: 137
Apache County, AZ: 31
Coconino County, AZ: 90
McKinley County, NM: 17
San Juan County, NM: 30
Cibola County, NM: 7
San Juan County, UT: 7
Socorro County, NM: 2
On Saturday, the Navajo Police Department began issuing citations and fines for individuals who violate the Navajo Nation’s “Stay at Home Order” and daily curfew that requires all residents to be home between 8:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m.
“This is a matter of life and death, especially for those who have underlying health issues. Before you consider going out for any reason, think of the well-being of your elders and your children. Be mindful that the numbers we are seeing are two to three days old due to the delay in test results for COVID-19. We are demanding that rapid testing be offered immediately and that testing laboratories be established in our communities,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.
During a live online town hall on Friday, President Nez urged the general public to use protective masks, including homemade masks, and protective gloves in public to help prevent the spread of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also issued similar recommendations.
“Education is key to preventing this virus. Social distancing means that everyone should stay at least six-feet apart from one another as much as possible, especially in public. We should not be traveling anywhere unless we absolutely have to. If groceries or essential items need to be purchased, please send out only one family member. We are still receiving reports of families shopping together and even babies and small children – that is unacceptable,” stated Vice President Myron Lizer.
The Navajo Nation’s daily curfew remains in effect from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. The curfew does not apply to essential employees reporting to or from duty, with official identification and/or a letter of designation from their essential business employer on official letterhead which includes a contact for verification.
President Nez and Vice President Lizer will hold another online town hall COVID-19 update on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (MDT) via Facebook. Radio forums are also scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. on KTNN 660AM and 101.5FM.
For more information including reports, helpful prevention tips, and more resources, please visit the Navajo Department of Health’s COVID-19 website at http://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. To contact the main Navajo Health Command Operations Center, please call (928) 871-7014.
