- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Wednesday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 40 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 571 as previously reported on Monday. Reports indicate that 7,358 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 113,985 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 10,780.
Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:
- Chinle Service Unit: 2,475
- Crownpoint Service Unit: 957
- Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,112
- Gallup Service Unit: 1,709
- Kayenta Service Unit: 1,355
- Shiprock Service Unit: 1,651
- Tuba City Service Unit: 1,012
- Winslow Service Unit: 498
* Eight residences with COVID-19 positive cases are not specific enough to place them accurately in a Service Unit.
The Navajo Nation will have a 56-hour weekend lockdown beginning on Friday, Oct. 16 at 9:00 p.m. (MDT) until Monday, Oct. 19 at 5:00 a.m. (MDT). The daily curfew on weekdays begins at 9:00 p.m. (MDT) to 5:00 a.m. (MDT).
On Wednesday, the state of New Mexico reported 577 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 902 new cases, and Utah reported 1,144.
"Today, the state of New Mexico reported its largest single-day increase in COVID-19 cases, and the states of Arizona and Utah reported massive increases compared to yesterday’s numbers. The safest place for our Navajo people to be is at home on the Navajo Nation. We continue to have cluster cases caused by family gatherings and travel off the Nation. Our public health experts are working hard to save lives and to keep our people healthy and safe, so we need to do our part to help. Stay home as much as possible, wear a mask, practice social distancing, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often," said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.
On Wednesday, the Nez-Lizer Administration collaborated with World Central Kitchen and the CORE Foundation to distribute food and care packages to 783 families in the communities of Smith Lake, Mariano Lake, Pinedale, and Church Rock in New Mexico.
On Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6:00 p.m. (MDT), President Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer will host an online town hall on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page to provide updates on COVID-19.
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: https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19&source=gmail&ust=1602817939390000&usg=AFQjCNHZd3y_XrDzugDVm8UtOhpqTy1xkA">http://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. For COVID-19 related questions and information, call (928) 871-7014.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
HUD Awards $150 Million in Competitive Housing Grants to Tribes
Over 120 Tribal Leaders Call on Biden to Grant Clemency to Leonard Peltier
Former Kickapoo Chair Banished From Tribe, Faces Federal Sex Crime Charges
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.