Officials Report ‘Uncontrolled Spread’ Of COVID-19 In Parts Of Navajo Nation

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Officials with the Navajo Nation said they have been alarmed by the increase in coronavirus cases and warned of “uncontrolled spread” in 34 communities.

The Navajo health department reported 98 new cases on Wednesday and the death of 1 person. A total of 596 people have died from COVID-19.

A news release said the uncontrolled spread was mostly because of residents who travel to family gatherings and off the Navajo Nation.

Utah reported a record 3,919 new cases Thursday, with another 9 people dead. New Mexico officials reported a new high of 1,500 cases Wednesday, and 2,030 new cases were reported in Arizona.

The Navajo Nation is in the Four Corners area in parts of Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona.

98 new cases, 7,828 recoveries, and one more death related to COVID-19 pic.twitter.com/4rdluUcs1W

— Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez (@NNPrezNez) November 12, 2020

“In some regions of the country, they are seeing exponential growth on a daily basis. The Navajo Department of Health identified 34 communities, nearly one-third of all chapters on the Navajo Nation, with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19. We have to do better and we have to hold ourselves and our loved ones accountable,” said Navajo President Jonathan Nez. “Please do not travel and do not hold family or social gatherings.”

Vice President Myron Lizer said, “The safest place to be is at home here on the Navajo Nation. Cases of COVID-19 are rising in areas near the Navajo Nation. I commend the businesses on the Navajo Nation for adhering to protocols and doing their best to keep customers and employees safe. As we move forward, please keep our people, our leaders, and our first responders in your prayers.”

Another 56-hour lockdown will take effect starting Friday at 9 p.m. and end Monday at 5 a.m.

Here are the Navajo communities identified as areas with the uncontrolled spread of COVID-19:

Alamo Baca/Prewitt* Bodaway/Gap Bread Springs* Cameron Chichiltah* Chinle* Churchrock Crownpoint Indian Wells Kayenta* Lake Valley*

Littlewater* Mariano Lake* Nahodishgish* Naschitti* Nazlini* Pinedale* Pinon* Rock Point* Rock Springs* Round Rock Sheepsprings Shiprock

Smith Lake* Thoreau* Tohajiilee Tohatchi* Tolani Lake Tonalea Torreon Tsayatoh* Tuba City* White Horse Lake*

* Chapters added in the new 14-day period

For more information on the spread of COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation, visit the Navajo Department of Health’s COVID-19 website: http://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19.

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