fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 
Roadblocks on the Navajo Nation to let tribal citizens the curfew will be enforced.

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Even as the Navajo Indian Reservation is under a 57-hour curfew, new numbers released Saturday evening by the Navajo Nations show confirmed cases of COVID-19 virus almost doubled since last Sunday and the death toll has grown to 24. The total of confirmed cases reached 698. Last Sunday, the total cases stood at 354.

The death toll increased by two since Friday’s report to 24.

According to the Navajo Department of Health and Navajo Area Indian Health Service, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center. The report also indicates that there is now a total of 2,760 negative test results as of Saturday.

The 698 confirmed positive cases include the following counties:

  • Navajo County, AZ: 252
  • Apache County, AZ: 79
  • Coconino County, AZ: 150
  • McKinley County, NM: 92
  • San Juan County, NM: 97
  • Cibola County, NM: 11
  • San Juan County, UT: 11
  • Socorro County, NM: 6

Saturday’s report of 101 news cases represents the largest increase in a single day since the first two cases of the deadly virus were announced on March 17.

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer have also been informed that Abbot ID rapid test kits will become available at Navajo Area IHS facilities and tribally-operated health care centers in the next few days, which will allow for test results within several minutes. Currently, test results take an average of two to four days to process.

"Quicker test results will likely result in even higher numbers of positive cases, but it will help to identify those who have the virus and begin to mitigate the cases much quicker. We must do better. If we all stay home this weekend, the spread will lessen. For those celebrating Easter on Sunday, we strongly urge everyone to participate in church services offered through the internet, television, radio, and other safe means of communication. To our health care workers and first responders, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you are doing to help our people. We know it is not easy, but we are with you and we are praying for you every day,” Nez said,

The Navajo president thanked everyone that is complying with the curfew and following recommendations from health care professionals.

April 10-13 has been declared, "Navajo Nation Family Prayer Weekend," in observance of the Easter holiday and to encourage families to pray together for those who are sick, the families who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19, first responders, and many others.

“There is always a light of hope in every challenge that our Navajo people have ever faced and this is no different. Yes, the numbers are growing, but many people are also testing negative for the virus and many are recovering as well. We will beat COVID-19 together, but we will beat it quicker if we stay home as much as possible,” said Vice President Lizer.

The Navajo Nation’s 57-hour curfew took effect on Friday at 8:00 p.m. and continues until Monday at 5:00 a.m., with the exception of essential employees who are required to have documentation from their employer. Navajo Police will strictly enforce the curfew order by issuing citations that may include a fine up to $1,000 and/or 30 days in jail.

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.

For up to date information on impact the coronavirus pandemic is having in the United States and around the world go to: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/us/?fbclid=IwAR1vxfcHfMBnmTFm6hBICQcdbV5aRnMimeP3hVYHdlxJtFWdKF80VV8iHgE

For up-to-date information about COVID-19, Native News Online encourages you to go to Indian Health Service’s COVID-19 webpage and review CDC’s COVID-19 webpage. 

How to help Native News Online: Send us news. Sign up for our daily enewsletter. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Share our articles. You can also donate to Native News Online here. Most importantly, take care of yourself. Megwetch.

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. Briefs
US Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Lawmakers Push To Expand Tribal Food Sovereignty Program
Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Give Tribes Tax Parity with States

 Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions

At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.

The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.

Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.

This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.

We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.

Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.

Levi headshotThe stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.

Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.

Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher

 
 
About The Author
Levi Rickert
Author: Levi RickertEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Levi "Calm Before the Storm" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at [email protected].