- 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 29 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and no recent deaths. The total number of deaths remains 574 as previously reported on Monday. Reports indicate that 7,403 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 118,092 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 11,030, which includes two delayed reported cases.
Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:
- Chinle Service Unit: 2,500
- Crownpoint Service Unit: 1,027
- Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 1,148
- Gallup Service Unit: 1,723
- Kayenta Service Unit: 1,363
- Shiprock Service Unit: 1,711
- Tuba City Service Unit: 1,025
- Winslow Service Unit: 525
* 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. 23 at 9:00 p.m. (MDT) until Monday, Oct. 26 at 5:00 a.m. (MDT), and another from Oct. 30 until Nov. 2. The daily curfew remains in effect from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on weekdays.
On Wednesday, the state of New Mexico reported a record-high of 827 new cases of COVID-19, the state of Arizona reported 975 new cases, and Utah reported 1,363.
“The state of New Mexico broke the daily record for new cases of COVID-19 once again, with 827 new cases today. The state of Utah has a record-high of hospitalizations and Arizona reported another large number of new cases as well. Throughout the country, we are trending in the wrong direction, but it is not too late to change that trend. We have to do better. We have to show more discipline and honor our ancestors, because they sacrificed so much for us to be here today. We have to step up and hold ourselves and our loved ones accountable for making good decisions that protect your families from this virus. If our cases on the Navajo Nation continue to rise, we are going to see a massive health care crisis. Our health care system is underfunded and lacks the resources to handle another large surge. Stay home, wear a mask, avoid crowds, practice social distancing, and wash your hands often,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.
On Thursday, Oct. 22, the Nez-Lizer team, World Central Kitchen, and CORE Foundation will distribute food and care packages at Coyote Canyon Chapter at 12:00 p.m., Bahastl’a’a’ Chapter at 1:30 p.m., Mexican Springs Chapter at 3:00 p.m., and Tohatchi Chapter at 4:30 p.m. The Nez-Lizer Administration will also host an online town hall on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page to provide COVID-19 updates.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Protests Greet Western Governors in Santa Fe
Red Hoop Talk: Native Stories, Real Conversations
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.
The 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
