Navajo Nation Reports 25 New Cases As It Nears Pandemic Milestone
Jul 20, 2020, 6:03 PM
(KSL TV)
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Nation reported seven more deaths and 25 new cases of COVID-19 as the reservation closed in a major milestone in the fight to control the spread of the disease.
Sunday’s 25 cases marked 24 consecutive days with fewer than 100 new cases.
The Navajo health department said a total of 422 people have died from the coronavirus, with 8,593 positive cases reported.
6,360 recoveries, 25 new cases, and seven more deaths related to COVID-19 reported as Navajo Nation reaches 24 consecutive days with less than 100 cases pic.twitter.com/mQY4z9NCfI
— Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez (@NNPrezNez) July 20, 2020
The downward trend does not mean tribal leaders will ease up on stringent measures. In fact, a news release said the department of health has now ordered the 57-hour long weekend lockdowns to continue through the end of the month.
A separate order is being developed to require residents that travel to “hot spots” to quarantine for 14 days when they return to the Navajo Nation, according to the release.
“We receive reports of many of our own people contracting the virus in border towns and cities like Phoenix and Albuquerque, so please be safe and keep praying for those who are fighting for their health and their lives, said Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer said. “This is a very serious virus and we have to keep listening to our health care experts who are dealing with COVID-19 firsthand.”
“The data shows that the weekend lockdowns and other requirements, such as wearing masks, are working to flatten the curve on the Navajo Nation,” said President Jonathan Nez.
As a further measure to limit the spread of COVID-19, speaker Seth Damon said the legislative branch buildings, which have been closed for months, will remain closed at least through August 7.
All employees will work remotely and all Navajo Nation committees will meet using only telecommunication services.