Navajo Nation Reports 3 More COVID-19 Deaths, 56 New Cases
May 25, 2020, 3:01 PM | Updated: Jul 13, 2023, 1:18 pm
(Photo by Andrew Milligan-WPA Pool/Getty Images)
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Heath officials on the Navajo Nation have reported three more COVID-19 deaths and 56 new cases.
As of numbers released early Monday morning, a total of 4,689 people have tested positive for the virus, while 156 people have died from it.
Approximately 1,400 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, according to data gathered from eight health care facilities.
The updated case counts come as the Navajo Nation wraps up another weekend lockdown, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Friday and lasting through 5:00 a.m. Monday.
Leaders initiated the lockdown, ordering residents to stay home and refrain from traveling in order to prevent the spread of the virus.
All essential businesses — including stores, gas stations, and restaurants — were told to cease operations.
“At this point, we’ve tested over 14.5-percent of residents on the Navajo Nation – far more than any state across the country if you want to compare the Navajo Nation to states,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. “We are fighting hard every day and I’m confident that we will soon begin to see a gradual decline in new cases if we continue to be diligent in wearing masks in public, practicing social distancing, and isolating those who test positive.”
Leaders of the Navajo Nation gathered for a wreath laying ceremony on Memorial Day to honor those who died in the service of our country.
“This Memorial Day, let’s honor our men and women in uniform who have lost their lives to protect the freedoms we have, but let’s also pray for the protection of all of our brothers and sisters who continue to serve around the world,” said Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer.
The ceremony took place in Window Rock, Arizona and was broadcasted digitally on the Facebook page of President Nez and Vice President Lizer.
“This Memorial Day, let’s honor our men and women in uniform who have lost their lives to protect the freedoms we have, but let’s also pray for the protection of all of our brothers and sisters who continue to serve around the world,” said Lizer.
Following the event, Nez and Lizer distributed food to veterans.