Gallup Sun

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 146 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and two more deaths on Nov. 17. The total number of deaths is now 605 as of Nov. 17. Reports indicate that 8,011 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 141,166 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 13,744, including two delayed unreported cases.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

Chinle Service Unit: 3,002

Crownpoint Service Unit: 1,494

Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,385

Gallup Service Unit: 2,171

Kayenta Service Unit: 1,523

Shiprock Service Unit: 2,018

Tuba City Service Unit: 1,443

Winslow Service Unit: 699

* Nine residences with COVID-19 positive cases are not specific enough to place them accurately in a Service Unit.

The Navajo Nation’s three-week stay-at-home lockdown remains in effect 24-hours a day, seven days a week with the exception of essential workers, cases of emergencies, and to purchase essential items such as food and medication when essential businesses are open from 7 am- 3 pm daily  On Nov. 17, the state of New Mexico reported 2,112 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 2,984 new cases, and Utah reported 3,178 cases.

The Navajo Department of Health has identified the following 55 communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 from Oct. 30 to Nov. 12:

“This invisible monster known as COVID-19 is devastating our country and the Navajo Nation. We cannot be complacent and careless about where we go, who we interact with, and the everyday choices we make. We love our Navajo people and we want everyone to be safe and healthy, but there are far too many people that continue to travel, to hold gatherings, and put themselves at unnecessary risk of catching the virus. We also want to thank the majority of our people who are staying home and adhering to the public health orders. We all have to remember that anyone can get COVID-19, but not everyone shows symptoms and that makes this virus very dangerous and potentially deadly. Everyone should be staying home 24/7 unless you are an essential employee and required to report to work, or if you have an emergency, or to get essential items like groceries or medication. Stay home, wear a mask if you must go into public, do not attend or hold in-person gatherings, practice social distancing, and wash your hands often,” Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said.

To encourage residents to stay local during the three-week stay-at-home lockdown, gas stations, grocery stores, laundromats, and restaurants and food establishments will remain open between the hours of 7 am (MST) and 3 pm (MST). These businesses are required to ensure employees and customers wear masks, practice social distancin, have access ect high-touch surfaces, access to hand wash stations, sanitizers and gloves, and limit the number of customers in any enclosed areas.

“Many families are grieving and we have to keep them in mind as we go about our daily activities. Please make good decisions and please be safe. We know that the pandemic is also taking its toll on the mental health of many, so please pray for yourselves and all of our Navajo people. We will come out of this pandemic stronger and more resilient,” Vice President Myron Lizer said.

For more information, including 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.