OPVP PRESS RELASE – Navajo Department of Health identifies 8 communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 as data shows consistent downward trend in new cases
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Tuesday, March 9, 2020, the Navajo Department of Health identified the following 8 communities in the latest Health Advisory Notice, with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 from Feb. 19, 2021 to March 4, 2021:
Baca Prewitt*
Ganado*
Indian Wells
Kaibeto
Ramah*
St. Michaels
Tuba City
Tachee Blue Gap*
- Chapters recently added to the list
“We are seeing good improvements in the reduction of new COVID-19 infections reported daily, the high rate of vaccinations, and the weekly number of communities identified as having uncontrolled spread of the virus. The progress we are seeing is thanks to the combined efforts of our Navajo people, health care workers, frontline warriors, our federal partners such FEMA and Navajo Area IHS, and many others. We have to continue keeping our guard up and we cannot let down now. Keep taking all precautions and keep fighting this pandemic together,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.
During Tuesday’s live online town hall, public health experts presented data that indicates that the Navajo Nation has met all gating measures and indicators to transition from the “level red – extensive very high” to “level orange – substantial high” community spread of COVID-19.
Recent data also indicates that there is a consistent downward trajectory in new infections of COVID-19, inpatient hospital and ICU bed usage is less than 80-percent, and an infection rate of 0.81 over the last seven days, which indicates that the Nation can expect to see fewer cases.
A report from the Navajo Area Indian Health Service indicates that 187,560 total vaccine doses and nearly 76-percent have been administered as of Monday. 52,324 individuals have received a first and second dose of the vaccines.
The Nez-Lizer Administration will host a special online town hall on Wednesday, March 10 at 6:00 p.m. (MST) on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page and YouTube channel, to provide information about the Navajo Nation’s careful transition from “level red” to “level orange” based on the gating measures and indicators.
“Our goal now is to reach herd immunity on the Navajo Nation. In order to reach that goal, we all have to continue doing our part. The COVID-19 variants are still very concerning so please be very cautious and wear a mask at all times in public. We invite you to tune-in to the online town hall on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. for more information. Be safe and keep praying for our health care workers and our communities,” 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.
