Marley Shebala's Notebook

12.18.20 PRESS RELEASE – Navajo Nation: Covid-19 positive cases increase by 175 as 57-hour weekend lockdown begins

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation’s update to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic situation report from the Health Command Operations Center (HCOC) for December 18, 2020 included data for testing, results, recoveries and mortalities related to Covid-19 in and around the Navajo Nation.

175 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 were reported on Friday with 0 cases due to delayed reporting bring the total confirmed positive cases on the Navajo Nation to 20,569. The total number of mortalities related to Covid-19 increased by 10 within the 24-hour period, a total of 742 reported deaths since March. The report included 10,999 recovered cases. A total 189,151 Covid-19 tests have been completed with 154,878 tests that were returned with negative results.

“As we draw closer to the Christmas and New Year holidays, Navajo leaders ask the Navajo People to plan ahead and to take care to avoid any packed public spaces or holiday rushes. The CDC’s guidelines are especially important during these next few weeks, and we know it can be difficult to be at a distance from family and loved ones. We have so much to look forward to, not only as a Nation, but as individuals. The Council is continuing to meet, almost on a daily basis, to discuss and take action on important legislation that will further support the Navajo Nation during these next stages of the pandemic. As the vaccine becomes more available, we must each continue to take precautionary measures to protect against further spread,” said Speaker Seth Damon.

The Navajo Nation’s three-week stay-at-home (shelter in place) order and 57-hour weekend lockdown continues this weekend from 8:00 p.m. on December 18 through 5:00 a.m. on December 21.

The Navajo Nation’s roads remain closed to visitors, who are advised to refrain from traveling to the Navajo Nation. Tribal parks are not accessible to visitors and tourists during the declared public health emergency.

More Data
Navajo Nation Covid-19 Cases by Service Unit:

Chinle Service Unit: 3,923
Gallup Service Unit: 3,376
Shiprock Service Unit: 3,398
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,164
Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 2,166
Kayenta Service Unit: 1,981
Tuba City Service Unit: 2,132
Winslow Service Unit: 1,234
Bordertowns: 5,650

62 chapters reported positive cases with the communities of heightened concern being: Kayenta (14), Tonalea (8), Shiprock (7), Tuba City (7), Leupp (6), Rock Springs (6), St. Michaels (6), Tachee/Blue Gap (6), Tsayatoh (6) and Cameron (5).

The NDOH and the Navajo Epidemiology Center provided the updated Covid-19 figures in coordination with tribally-controlled Public Law 19-638 healthcare facilities and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service. More information, including Covid-19 testing locations, can be found on the Navajo Nation’s Covid-19 website at: https://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19.

The HCOC General Hotline can be reached at (928) 871-7014. Inquiries and requests may be sent to NNHCOCPlans@navajo-nsn.gov. The HCOC hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm, Saturday from 8am to 12pm and Sunday on standby status.

12.17.20 PRESS RELEASE – Navajo Nation: Covid-19 positive cases increase by 287, nearly 20 additional Chapter communities report positive cases

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation’s update to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic situation report from the Health Command Operations Center (HCOC) for December 17, 2020 included data for testing, results, recoveries and mortalities related to Covid-19 in and around the Navajo Nation.

287 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 were reported on Thursday with 13 cases due to delayed reporting bring the total confirmed positive cases on the Navajo Nation to 20,395. The total number of mortalities related to Covid-19 increased by 1 within the 24-hour period, a total of 732 reported deaths since March. The report included 10,848 recovered cases. A total 187,477 Covid-19 tests have been completed with 153,645 tests that were returned with negative results.

To better assist local Chapter communities and households with Stay-At-Home orders, the Navajo Nation Council received updates on the implementation of the Chapter Distribution Expenditure Plan approved through Resolution No. CS-73-20. The Division of Community Development reported that, with collaboration between the Executive Branch and the Legislative Branch, eight staging areas across the Navajo Nation are tentatively planned to move essential supplies from a warehouse facility in Window Rock to at least 100 Chapters.

A variety of essential supplies and foods began arriving to the Navajo Nation following a period of chapter coordination in which local communities submitted requests for Covid-19 support expenditures. The Division of Community Development is expected to give more details as the logistical details are finalized.

More Data
Navajo Nation Covid-19 Cases by Service Unit:

70 chapters reported positive cases with the communities of heightened concern being: Tuba City (28), Shiprock (18), Tohajiilee (13), Birdsprings (12), Churchrock (12), Rock Springs (10), Tonalea (9), Upper Fruitland (9), Kayenta (8) and Chichiltah (7).

The Office of Environmental Health and Protection, with the concurrence of the Navajo Department of Health (NDOH) and the HCOC, issued Public Health Emergency Order No. 2020-031. The order continues the Stay at Home (Shelter in Place) Lockdown Order for three weeks, including full 57-hour weekend lockdowns.

12.16.20 PRESS RELEASE – Navajo Nation: Covid-19 positive cases increase by 160, Council begins addressing critical funding needs after December 30

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation’s update to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic situation report from the Health Command Operations Center (HCOC) for December 16, 2020 included data for testing, results, recoveries and mortalities related to Covid-19 in and around the Navajo Nation.

160 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 were reported on Wednesday bringing the total confirmed positive cases on the Navajo Nation to 20,095. The total number of mortalities related to Covid-19 increased by 4 within the 24-hour period, a total of 731 reported deaths since March. The report included 10,779 recovered cases. A total 186,724 Covid-19 tests have been completed with 153,337 tests that were returned with negative results.

“The Navajo Nation Council expresses appreciation to our health care professionals, front line workers and first responders as we look to continue immediate support for coronavirus services and projects. It is our responsibility, as Navajo leadership, to provide certainty during critical transition periods, like the one we are in now. Following the CDC’s guidelines for protecting against the spread of the virus that causes Covid-19 is the best way we can help each other be safer from the dangers of uncontrolled spread. Mask up, sanitize and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, practice social distancing and stay away from gatherings with people outside your homestead. Our health care professionals have told us 80 to 90 percent of our population is still susceptible to contracting Covid-19, and we must stay vigilant as the vaccine becomes more widely available in the coming months,” said Speaker Seth Damon.

On Wednesday, the Health, Education and Human Services Committee began discussing new legislation to extend Navajo Department of Health and Health Command Operations Center funding beyond the December 30 deadline for CARES Act funds. That legislation, No. 0311-20, proposes an allocation of $17,420,482 to support continuing operations and financial commitments relating to the Navajo Nation’s Covid-19 response activities into 2021. The legislation is sponsored by Council Delegate Carl Roessel Slater and co-sponsored by Speaker Seth Damon and is currently open for public comment before HEHSC meets again to act on it.

Members of the Navajo Nation Council also met Wednesday to discuss the Permanent Trust Fund 5 Year Expenditure Plan and projects supported by the Síhásin Fund. The Council is expected to consider legislation soon to reallocate unspent or lapsed funding from the Navajo Nation’s own trust funds for projects that support infrastructure, water and related projects in local communities.

The Resources and Development Committee also met via teleconference on Wednesday to discuss and act on legislation relating to chapter and powerline projects, in addition to proposed Legislation No. 0309-20, which would provide expanded support for local heavy equipment purchases and more emergency water projects.

On Thursday, the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee will meet via telecommunication to consider legislation relating to US Department of the Interior contracts for the Department of Family Services Program, Navajo Family Assistance Services and the Navajo Treatment Center for Children and Their Families Program.

Legislation is accessible online at: http://www.navajonationcouncil.org/legislation.html.

More Data
Navajo Nation Covid-19 Cases by Service Unit:

Chinle Service Unit: 3,886
Gallup Service Unit: 3,303
Shiprock Service Unit: 3,340
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,138
Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 2,142
Kayenta Service Unit: 1,968
Tuba City Service Unit: 2,084
Winslow Service Unit: 1,213
Bordertowns: 5,583

51 chapters reported positive cases with the communities of heightened concern being: Shiprock (18), Aneth (16), Tohajiilee (15), Chinle (8), Kayenta (8), Oljato (7), Pinon (6), Tsaile-Wheatfields (6), Crownpoint (5) and Lukachugai (5).

12.15.20 PRESS RELEASE – Navajo Nation: Covid-19 positive cases increase by 160 as Navajo Area IHS reports 3,900 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine doses arrive
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation’s update to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic situation report from the Health Command Operations Center (HCOC) for December 15, 2020 included data for testing, results, recoveries and mortalities related to Covid-19 in and around the Navajo Nation.

160 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 were reported on Tuesday bringing the total confirmed positive cases on the Navajo Nation to 19,929. The total number of mortalities related to Covid-19 increased by 5 within the 24-hour period, a total of 727 reported deaths since March. The report included 10,726 recovered cases. A total 185,366 Covid-19 tests have been administered with 152,173 tests that were returned with negative results.

“The country is 10 days from the Christmas holiday, which means many people will be tempted to gather together with people they do not live with,” said Speaker Seth Damon (Bááhaalįí, Chichiltah, Manuelito, Red Rock, Rock Springs, Tséyatoh). “Do not travel unless absolutely necessary and always wear a face covering in public spaces in addition to maintaining social distancing guidelines. Along with frequent handwashing for at least 20 seconds, following these guidelines will help in reducing the harm caused by the further spread of the coronavirus.”

3,900 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine were delivered to the Navajo Nation through the Indian Health Service (IHS) since Monday, reported Navajo Area IHS Director Roselyn Tso Tuesday evening. Following the Navajo Nation Covid-19 Update Town Hall hosted by Council Delegate Mark Freeland (Becenti, Lake Valley, Náhodishgish, Standing Rock, Whiterock, Huerfano, Nageezi, Crownpoint), Director Tso met telephonically with members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council to provide the latest updates regarding the vaccine’s distribution in Navajo facilities.

“Yesterday morning, we had the first vaccine that was delivered to Gallup Indian Medical Center for the Navajo Nation,” said Tso. “We are very pleased to be part of the distribution and also ensuring the Navajo Nation received this distribution the same time as all of the major hospitals in the big cities.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, NAIHS completed its final delivery of the first shipment of vaccines to the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation and the Kayenta Health Center. Facilities in the Utah portion of the Navajo Nation opted to receive their vaccine shipments through the Utah Department of Health.

Navajo health care facilities began administering the vaccine to health care workers, including those with direct and non-direct contact, traditional healers, and emergency medical service personnel. The initial tier of the vaccine priority distribution plan also includes residents and staff of tribal long-term care facilities. Tso also reported healthcare providers are receiving the vaccine on a rotating basis to minimize potential staffing shortages if side effects linger.

“We are starting to see that light at the end of that tunnel and we need to continue to hold our defenses up. Until then, that means continue to practice mitigation, social distancing, wearing our masks, washing our hands—doing the things we’ve been doing for the last nine months,” said Freeland.

“I have sisters working in Crownpoint and when they got their shot today, they texted me and they were pretty relieved,” said Council Delegate Edmund Yazzie (Churchrock, Iyanbito, Mariano Lake, Pinedale, Smith Lake, Thoreau). “It has caused a lot of stress among us, the elders and even the young kids, and we just need to hang tight and be strong. We’ll continue in our prayers for strength and protection.”

Speaker Damon stated: “When it comes to medical staffing in our Navajo Nation healthcare facilities, Navajo leaders continue to support the call for volunteers, US Public Health Service medical officers and other medical professionals from across the country. We welcome Major General John King and the team of 24 medical staff from the Department of Defense to the Navajo Nation, and we will continue to pursue more resources that are an important part of this next stage of this pandemic.”

Tuesday evening, a majority of Council delegates endorsed a petition for a special session of the Navajo Nation Council for Friday, December 18, at 10:00 a.m. The agenda is expected to include Legislation No. 0309-20, sponsored by Speaker Damon, which proposes Síhasin Fund allocations of $11,924,571 to the Division of Community Development for the Chapter Heavy Equipment Expenditure Plan and $33,876,114 to the Department of Water Resources for the Emergency Projects Expenditure Plan. The legislation, which was approved Tuesday by the Budget and Finance Committee, is intended to address ongoing needs in local Navajo communities based on information gathered from the CARES Act project funding process. The projects previously did not meet the deadline requirements for CARES funding.

More Data
Navajo Nation Covid-19 Cases by Service Unit:

Chinle Service Unit: 3,850
Gallup Service Unit: 3,288
Shiprock Service Unit: 3,294
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,114
Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 2,130
Kayenta Service Unit: 1,951
Tuba City Service Unit: 2,072
Winslow Service Unit: 1,209
Bordertowns: 5,536

48 chapters reported positive cases with the communities of heightened concern being: Tuba City (14), Shiprock (11), Ganado (9), Rough Rock (9), Chinle (8), St Michaels (8), Upper Fruitland (8), Lechee (7), Bodaway Gap (6) and Churchrock (5).

12.14.20 PRESS RELEASE – Navajo Nation: Covid-19 positive cases increase by 341 over the weekend, NTUA reports more completed projects under CARES

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation’s update to coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic situation report from the Health Command Operations Center (HCOC) for December 14, 2020 included data for testing, results, recoveries and mortalities related to Covid-19 in and around the Navajo Nation from the weekend.

Overall, 341 new cases were reported over the weekend with 183 on Saturday and 158 on Sunday. The total confirmed positive cases on the Navajo Nation is 19,766. The total number of mortalities related to Covid-19 on the Navajo Nation now totals 722 reported deaths since March. The report included 10,623 recovered cases. A total 183,332 Covid-19 tests have been administered with 150,808 tests that were returned with negative results.

“On behalf of the 24th Navajo Nation Council, I wish to express a deep appreciation to all the front-line workers and supporting staff who continue to respond to the strain and stresses of this pandemic with their dedicated efforts. Covid-19 cases continue to fluctuate on the Navajo Nation, but our call to follow social distancing and face covering guidelines is constant. Limited doses of the Pfizer vaccine have reached the Navajo Nation, and the Council is committed to ensuring Navajo People have confidence in the science when they make the decision to receive the vaccine or not,” said Speaker Seth Damon.

Saturday, Navajo leaders received updates from the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority (NTUA) on CARES Act-funded projects approved by the Council for water, electric, broadband, solar and cistern projects.

“For the past 14 weeks, NTUA has remained focused on extending utilities to families throughout the Navajo Nation and will continue to work hard to build and complete as multi-utility projects as possible to help mitigate the spread of Covid-19,” said NTUA representatives.

NTUA electric line crews have connected an additional 50 Navajo homes to the electrical grid totaling 478 homes with CARES Act funds as of December 10. NTUA continues to receive applications from Navajo families for electric connections, of which 145 homes needed right of way (ROW) acquisitions, 166 were released by the Navajo Nation Land Department for construction to proceed and 16 homes have pending service line agreements (SLA).

For homes unable to reach the electric grid, the Council approved funding for residential solar power units. NTUA reported 246 feasible homes for 3,000 kW solar unit placements. 167 homes need house-wiring, 98 homes have wiring completed and 45 homes are awaiting a house-wiring affidavit. Additionally, 39 homes belong to US Veterans, 210 homes have solar vendors working on sites and 128 solar units have been placed at homes and are awaiting final stages of construction before being commissioned.

NTUA also reported it has formed partnerships with Arizona Public Service (APS), Jemez Mountain Electric Co-op (JMEC), Socorro Electric Co-op (SEC) and Continental Divide Electric Co-op (CDEC) to reach 57 homes outside NTUA’s regular service area. 30 of 59 planned electric capacity projects have been completed, with 15 projects in construction in Aneth, Red Mesa, Mexican Water, Kinlichee, Kayenta and Shiprock.

In partnership with the Navajo Engineering and Construction Authority (NECA), NTUA identified 122 qualified families to receive water and solar cistern units to address a lack of water availability. NTUA reported, under the approved CARES Act expenditure plan, 75 bathroom foundations have been completed, 51 of 120 cistern systems and 54 of 121 septic systems have been installed. Additionally, 61 of 122 homes have electricity with 3 recently connected by NTUA. 31 of 122 homes need a solar unit, 2 of 122 will have a generator and 28 of 122 will be connected to the electric grid.

With CARES Act funds approved by the Council for water projects, NTUA reported pump and motor replacements for 60 of 63 water wells have been completed and 7 of 20 water well renovations are finished. Major water tank renovations are nearing completion in Fort Defiance, Sawmill and Newcomb. New water well construction is ongoing at Thoreau, Houck and Ganado, the longest projected completion date being December 29.

NTUA has also completed repairs and upgrades to 6 regional watering loading stations in Bodaway Gap, Leupp, Lupton, Wide Ruins, Torreon and Lake Valley. Livestock water loading stations have also been completed in Hunters Point, Leupp, Newcomb and Sheepsprings, with a Chinle site expected to be completed tomorrow. NTUA shared 95 percent of the Montezuma Creek arsenic removal water treatment plant has been completed and is expected to finish tomorrow. Wastewater facilities improvements include a wastewater trunk line renovation in Window Rock, which is expected to be completed by December 23, and a wastewater lagoon in Pinon, expected to be competed tomorrow.

To address demand, NTUA is also adding free student WiFi hotspots in Leupp and Oaksprings, bringing the number of locations to 41 with 2 additional locations to be determined.

With telecommunications and broadband infrastructure funding approved by the Council, NTUA reported, of 102 broadcast stations, 98 projects are uplifts in broadband service and 4 are new sites. NTUA expects 82 of 102 stations to be in-service by tomorrow. In Tuba City, NTUA reported backbone fiber construction to Pasture Canyon received necessary approval from the Hopi Tribe and contractors were immediately informed to complete construction.

A fiber line from Tonalea to the Navajo Generating Station is finished with only the installation of electronics remaining. NTUA reported area residents will notice enhanced data service to further help with distance learning.

On Friday, the Naabik’íyáti’ Committee of the 24th Navajo Nation Council approved Resolution No. NABID-63-20 by a vote of 20 in favor and 3 opposed. The resolution extended the initial internal deadline for certain types of projects approved by the Council and funded through the CARES Act. Unspent and non-committed funds will be reverted to the Hardship Assistance Program to ensure all CARES Act funds are expended by the federal government’s deadline of December 30.

More Data

Navajo Nation Covid-19 Cases by Service Unit:

Chinle Service Unit: 3,824
Gallup Service Unit: 3,270
Shiprock Service Unit: 3,260
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,104
Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 2,106
Kayenta Service Unit: 1,942
Tuba City Service Unit: 2,030
Winslow Service Unit: 1,208

47 chapters reported positive cases with the communities of heightened concern being Shiprock (18), Tuba City (16), Chinle (10), Upper Fruitland (9), Tohatchi (7), Kaibeto (5), Kayenta (5), Pinon (5), St. Michaels (5) and Crownpoint (4).

Keeping an eye on Navajo government

COVID-19 kills 10 more Dine’ relatives & infects 175 Dine’ relatives, 12.18.20

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