The number of positive COVID-19 cases continues to rise on the Navajo Nation despite a stay-at-home order and all nonessential businesses being told to close.
The Navajo Department of Health and Navajo Area Indian Health Service, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center, said there are 214 cases on the Navajo Nation as of April 1, with another 40 cases being confirmed that day.
The 214 cases include the following counties:
Navajo County, Ariz.: 97
Apache County, Ariz.: 22
Coconino County, Ariz.: 49
McKinley County, N.M.: 14
San Juan County, N.M.: 22
Cibola County, N.M.: 3
San Juan County, Utah: 7
There are seven confirmed deaths from COVID-19 as of April 1 as well.
President Jonathan Nez issued an executive order on March 31 to extend the closure of the Executive Branch through April 26, except for essential staff to perform essential services. The order also called for school districts on the Navajo Nation to remain closed for the remainder of the school year.
The Navajo Nation implemented a daily curfew on March 30, which remains in effect from 8 pm to 5 am. The curfew does not apply to essential employees reporting to or from work, with official identification and/or a letter of designation from their essential business employer on official letterhead which includes a contact for verification.
In an April 1 press release, Vice President Myron Lizer urged Navajo Nation residents to do their part to help first responders and health care workers on the frontline by staying home as much as possible and continuing to practice social distancing.
“There’s no doubt that we will beat this virus, but it’s up to all of us [to determine] whether that’s sooner or later. Our prayers are with all of our Navajo people each day as we continue the fight together,” Lizer said.
TIMELINE OF THE VIRUS ON THE NAVAJO NATION
March 11: Navajo Nation declares Public Health State of Emergency. The Nez-Lizer Administration restricts off-reservation travel for Executive Branch employees.
March 17: The first two members of the Navajo Nation test positive for COVID-19. Both cases are located in the Chilchinbeto region near Kayenta, Ariz.
March 18: The third positive case in confirmed, also in Chilchinbeto. A Public Health Emergency Order was placed, forbidding large gatherings of people and ordering restaurants to close indoor seating. Billboards are set up across the Navajo Nation urging residents to stay at home for at least 15 days.
March 21: The total number of cases reaches 26 as the Navajo Nation’s “Stay at Home Order” goes into effect. All businesses except those that provide essential services like food, gas, and medicine are ordered to close indefinitely. Residents are urged to not leave their homes except for essential services.
March 28: The first two deaths from COVID-19 are confirmed, along with an updated case number of 92.
March 30: The case count reaches 148 with five deaths. Nez and Lizer meet with health care officials and emergency responders who are working to fully establish a federal medical station to help fight the COVID-19 spread in the community of Chinle, Ariz.
March 31: The total positive case count reaches 174 with five deaths. The Nez-Lizer Administration begins the “Operation First of the Month” initiative, which aims to reduce the amount of traffic in reservation towns during the busy time at the start of April. Residents are urged to leave children and elders at home, and send only one person from each household for essential goods to reduce the risk to themselves and others.
April 1: With another 40 confirmed cases, the tally reaches 214 for the Navajo Nation. Another two deaths brings the total up to seven.
For more information on the Navajo Nation efforts in fighting COVID-19, visit http://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19.
Staff Reports
