fbpx
 

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Monday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 12 new positive COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths has reached 480 as of Monday. 6,978 individuals have recovered from COVID-19 and 89,003 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases is 9,469 and negative tests total 74,699.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:

  • Chinle Service Unit: 2,284
  • Crownpoint Service Unit: 794
  • Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 738
  • Gallup Service Unit: 1,520
  • Kayenta Service Unit: 1,294
  • Shiprock Service Unit: 1,478
  • Tuba City Service Unit: 908
  • Winslow Service Unit: 449

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

On Monday, the Office of the President and Vice President, Navajo Nation Division of Human Resources, and the Navajo Health Command Operations Center implemented Phase One of the "Navajo Nation Reopening Plan," which serves as a guide to safely and gradually reopen businesses on the Navajo Nation during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The plan includes safety-guidelines for Navajo Nation residents to follow through the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, directs places of business to implement COVID-19 policies and procedures meeting specific standards, and provides a color-coded system for progressively reopening business on the Navajo Nation based on data-driven analysis and input from health experts.

"The reopening plan will not be rushed. The administration spent many weeks working together with health care experts to develop the phased-in reopening plan. The plan prioritizes elders and individuals that are at higher risk for severe illness. It ensures the Nation's healthcare system is responsive to increases in admissions and responds to future crises and any resurgences while allowing a phased path to recovery. Businesses on the Nation will reopen progressively, in conjunction with a color-coded status schedule, which identifies different reopening activity levels. As we slowly reopen, we urge Navajo residents to continue practicing preventative measures to avoid exposure. We still need to be alert and prepared," Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said. 

The Navajo Nation Executive Branch has also created the "Navajo Nation COVID-19 Worksite Safety Guidelines," specifically for its Divisions and Departments to follow as administrative leave of non-essential Executive Branch employees came to an end on Aug. 16. Divisions and Departments have been directed to utilize the Executive Branch Guidelines' recommendations—e.g., provide personnel with sufficient and appropriate PPE and disinfectant products, create alternative work schedules, etc.—in crafting their plans to resume and revitalize services. 

More Stories Like This

Judge Rules Two Freedmen Eligible for Tribal Citizenship of Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Tribe Appeals
National Test of Emergency Alert System Set for Wednesday Afternoon
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Act Reintroduced in Congress
Man Charged in Rape of 11-year-old Girl in Bemidji
Eliot Neal Named New Missing or Murdered Indigenous Person Assistant United States Attorney for the Southwest Regions

Stand with us in championing Indigenous journalism that makes a difference. Your support matters.

Support our Indigenous-led newsroom as we shed light on critical issues, such as the painful history of Indian Boarding Schools. To date, we've published nearly 200 stories dedicated to this important topic, providing insights and awareness to a global audience. Our news is freely accessible to all, but its production demands resources. That's why we're reaching out to you this month for your generous contribution.

For those who commit to a recurring donation of $12 per month or more, or make a one-time donation of $150 or greater, we're excited to offer you a copy of our upcoming Indian Boarding School publication. Additionally, you will be added to our Founder's Circle. Together, we can ensure that these vital stories continue to be told, shared, and remembered.

About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].