'Stay at Home Order' goes into effect

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. —Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer were informed by the Navajo Department of Health and Navajo Area Indian Health Service on Saturday, that the number of positive tests for COVID-19 has reached a total of 26 for residents of the Navajo Nation.

This includes 18 cases from the Kayenta Service Unit, four from the Chinle Service Unit, three from the Tuba City Service Unit, and one from the Crownpoint Service Unit, which accounts for the one case in McKinley County, N.M. As of Saturday, there are no confirmed deaths related to COVID-19 for residents of the Navajo Nation.

A Public Health Emergency “Stay at Home Order” is now in effect requiring all residents of the Navajo Nation to remain home and isolated and all non-essential businesses to close to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The previous shelter-in-place order for the community of Chilchinbeto has now expanded to the entire Navajo Nation.

“Everyone needs to stay home, that’s how we will start to beat this virus," Nez said. "To prevent a massive health crisis, every person must remain home. We know some may need food, medicine, or other essential items, but beyond that we shouldn’t have anyone traveling or going out into the public. This includes public gatherings and meetings.”

In a short period of time, COVID-19 has arrived on the Navajo Nation and the number of cases reached 26 on March 21. While joint tribal and IHS epidemiologist teams are working to stop the virus’s spread, the degree of contact of contagious individuals and the subsequent degree of exposure is unknown. According to the “Stay In Place” Order, continued person-to-person spread throughout the Navajo Nation poses an extensive and substantial public health risk,.

“There are people who are testing negative for COVID-19 and that is good news, but there are still many more tests that the Navajo Department of Health and the Navajo Area IHS are waiting for results and confirmation,” Nez added.

The order also outlines provisions for “essential activities, essential businesses, and any work necessary to the operations and maintenance of essential infrastructure.” It further states that Navajo Nation citizens are required to stay home and undertake only those outings absolutely necessary for their health, safety, or welfare as described in the Order.

“Stay home, stay safe, save lives," Lizer said. "That’s the message we are sending out to the Navajo Nation to protect our communities from further spread of COVID-19. Every day, we are praying for our people who are sick and their families. We are also praying for our people, the brave first responders, and everyone else on the front line.”

On Saturday, first responders began delivering care packages to residents of Chilchinbeto. Additional resources including coal, firewood, water, and other essential items are also arriving for local residents including the elderly and high-risk.

“We want to let the Navajo Nation that we are here to help our Nation get through this time," Nez said. "We stand with you every step of the way. We will overcome this virus.”

In support of the order, the Navajo Police Department established community checkpoints to limit and inform travelers to stay home and discourage unnecessary traveling. Checkpoints have been established near the Chilchinbito area.

On Friday, Nez and Lizer also approved a $4 million appropriation for the Navajo Department of Health to fight the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Navajo Nation and deliver much-needed resources and equipment to health care experts and emergency response personnel on the ground. The funding will provide medical supplies, food and water supplies, equipment, public outreach, and more.

Paul Thompson, 56, Prewitt, NM

Aug. 29, 9:30 pm

Felony DWI, 4th Offense

This intoxicated driver thought he could slide past the DWI checkpoint, but Gallup Police Department Officer Steven Peshlakai wasn’t about to let that happen. When he pulled Thompson over at Aztec Laundry Mat, he tried to hide behind the light pole, which obviously didn’t help him any. He smelled of alcohol and failed the field sobriety tests. He submitted two blood alcohol breath tests, which revealed a 0.18/0.17. A fourth DWI resulted in the felony charge.

Francina A. Smith, 39, Gallup, NM

Aug. 23, 9 pm

DWI, 3rd Offense

Smith racked up a slew of other charges, in addition to receiving a DWI. She rammed another vehicle in her GMC Yukon and took off from the scene all while her 6-year-old son sat in the back seat, which earned her the charge of “abandonment or abuse of a child.” It was her son that gave her up: “Ofc. Peshlakai had spoken to Francina’s son … who advised  him that his mother was driving fast and had crashed into another vehicle,” according to reporting Officer Chad Troncoso’s report.

The Yukon had a “fictitious” license plate, and Troncoso’s report states that there was empty bottle of “Importer’s Vodka” in the front seat of vehicle. She blew a BAC of .31 – twice. Smith also had outstanding warrants..

Barton Yazzie, 53, Galllup, NM

Aug. 24, 7:19 pm

Any plans to make a grand escape from a drunken or drugged hit and run failed for Yazzie. GPD Sgt. Benny Gaona found the driver and his white pickup truck parked at 1105 Nevada Circle. From there, it was easy to match the damages sustained to both vehicles and arrest Yazzie for his hit and run, careless driving and DWI.

Linda Johnson, 44, Thoreau, NM

Aug. 4, 11:29 pm

DWI, 2nd Offense

This DWI occurred about a month ago, but Johnson still earns a mugshot and report in the Gallup Sun. Johnson blew a 0.15 twice and was also charged for driving with an open container.

Rexanna Willie, 30, Gallup, NM

Aug. 26, 8:40 pm

Willie’s erratic driving prompted GPD Officer Norman Bowman to pull her vehicle over on the 600 block of Boardman Drive. She admitted to taking “a couple of shots of Yukon Jack” several hours before being pulled over. She told Bowman she just broke up with her boyfriend and “was trying not to think about it,” according to the report. She failed her field sobriety tests and blew a BAC of 0.23 and 0.22.

Jameson Baker, 36, Albuquerque, NM

Aug. 29, 8:28 pm

DWI, 2nd Offense

Another case of erratic driving, and in this case, downright dangerous driving landed Baker in jail along with his DWI. On top of that, he ignored deputies efforts to pull him over. When Baker did finally pull over, McKinley County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Johnson Lee could smell alcohol wafting from the vehicle. He refused to take the BAC breath test, which earned him an extra charge.

Todd Dennison, 23, Tohlakai, NM

Aug. 27, 11:50 pm

An expired registration tag, along with some erratic driving prompted MCSO Deputy Tammy Houghtaling to pull Dennison over. It was a routine DWI arrest. Dennison blew a BAC of 0.11 twice.

Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services has been hard at work preparing for COVID-19 in McKinley County. While there are currently no cases at RMCHCS, Health Officials have confirmed the first community acquired COVID-19 case in McKinley County, a 30-year-old male.

“We strongly encourage everyone to follow CDC guidelines on COVID-19 to help limit the spread of the virus. Please stay at home and only go out when absolutely necessary. Physical distancing is more important than ever,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Valory Wangler.

RMCHCS said it's taking important measures to ensure the safety of the patients and staff. All patients, visitors and employees must go through a simple screening process before entering any of the facilities. Screenings are taking place at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital’s emergency entrance and at the main entrances to all other RMCHCS facilities.

All other entrances are closed. Those who do not pass the initial screening will receive further screening and testing at the mobile health unit parked in front of the main hospital entrance, for further screening and/or testing.

RMCHCS’ WellSpring Recovery Center is currently on lock-down. RMCHCS has notified families of this and are arranging for clients to connect with their families via phone as appropriate.

The RMCHCS Board of Trustees held a special meeting to discuss additional precautions to minimize the possibility of the coronavirus entering its facilities. The Board passed a motion to reduce elective hospital admissions by cutting non-essential and non-life threatening procedures that can safely be postponed for two months. The attending providers will determine on a case-by-case basis, which procedures can wait and which ones cannot.

The Board also gave administrative staff permission to deploy all avenues for mitigating the financial negative effect resulting from this decision. This may include applying for FEMA, state or county funds, or cost reductions.

If you have had a fever in the past 14 days or have a cough and difficulty breathing, call RMCHCS COVID-19 Hotline at (505) 236-1074 before coming to the hospital. Drive-up coronavirus testing is available at the main entrance of Rehoboth Christian Hospital for those who qualify.

CDC guidelines: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/perpare/prevention.html