9:08 pm PRESS RELEASE – 97 new cases and one more death related to COVID-19 reported
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Department of Health in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 97 new cases of COVID-19 and a total of 59 deaths for the Navajo Nation as of Saturday. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation has reached 1,637. There is a total of 7,393 negative test results. The total COVID-19 tests administered is 9,660, with some test results pending.
The 1,637 confirmed positive cases on the Navajo Nation include the following counties:
· Navajo County, AZ: 395
· Apache County, AZ: 362
· Coconino County, AZ: 242
· McKinley County, NM: 398
· San Juan County, NM: 168
· Cibola County, NM: 16
· San Juan County, UT: 20
· Socorro County, NM: 21
· Sandoval County, NM: 15
“We expected to see higher numbers because more people are being tested. Having more people being tested is a good thing, and it helps to identify people who need to isolate themselves. As we proceed with our third 57-hour weekend curfew on the Navajo Nation, please remember those who are fighting for their lives and those who are recovering. The public health orders issued by our health experts are working slowly and they are making a difference, but it’s ultimately in the hands of each of our Diné citizens to make good choices by staying home as much as possible,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, who also thanks all of the Nation’s law enforcement officers who are working around the clock to protect our communities this weekend.
In several areas on and near the Navajo Nation, there have been mass testing sites setup for a day or two each week. In Monument Valley, there were approximately 1,500 tests administered to the general public through the Utah Navajo Health Services. In addition, Navajo Police Chief Phillip B. Francisco reported that the Navajo Police Department has increased the testing of police officers as well.
On CNN Cuomo Primetime on Friday, President Nez said to all citizens throughout the country that the best place to be is at home.
“Listen to the professionals and people on the frontlines. Even though some states are opening back up, the health care professionals don’t agree with it, and we on Navajo Nation advise our citizens to continue to stay home and adhere to the advice of the health care experts,” added President Nez.
The 57-hour weekend curfew began at 8:00 p.m. on Friday and will last until 5:00 a.m. on Monday. Curfew violators can receive citations with fines up to $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail for failing to comply with the curfew.
“Simply because the curfew ends on Monday morning, we do not want to see a sudden rush of people traveling and going to border towns to shop and put themselves at risk of getting virus. Let’s honor the shelter-in-place order that requires all Navajo Nation residents to remain home unless there is an emergency or a real need to get essential items. Our prayers are always with all of our people, our officers, and our health care workers. With the loss of 59 people due to the virus, that means there’s 59 families grieving at this time. Let’s stay home for them, let’s stay home for everyone who is struggling with their health and fighting for their lives at this very moment,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.
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.
