COVID-19 Cases Skyrocket On Navajo Nation
Nov 23, 2020, 5:48 PM | Updated: 5:55 pm
(Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Nation is undergoing a major spike in COVID-19 cases as the health department reported a record-high number of new cases Sunday at 383. Five more people died from the disease, and the seven-day average was at an all-time high of 210 cases.
The Navajo Nation had the worst spread of the disease in April and May but managed to lower the curve. Starting last week the current surge in cases eclipsed the worst days of May, according to data on the Navajo COVID-19 dashboard.
A 24-hour-a-day lockdown and stay-at-home order took effect last week.
383 new cases, 8,131 recoveries, and five more deaths related to COVID-19 as President Nez urges the Navajo people to recommit to fighting the pandemic pic.twitter.com/BmvV2pOM6h
— Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez (@NNPrezNez) November 23, 2020
Part of the Navajo Nation is in Utah’s San Juan County in the Four Corners area.
“We have community spread and uncontrollable spread is most of our communities and the numbers are even higher off the Navajo Nation. So please stay home as much as possible, wear a mask if you have to shop for essential items, practice social distancing, do not hold or attend in-person gatherings and wash your hands often,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.
“We have to recommit to fighting COVID-19 and tell our loved ones to take this virus seriously. The next month or two will be very tough, but we will eventually overcome this pandemic,” Nez added. “With the Thanksgiving Day holiday upon us, we have to do what is best for our families and that’s to celebrate with only those that live within our own household. Please do not invite family members from other households and please do not have any in-person guests and that is for your own safety and health.”
For more information, including helpful prevention tips, and resources to help stop the spread of COVID-19, visit the Navajo Department of Health’s COVID-19 website. For COVID-19 related questions and information, call (928) 871-7014.
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- Avoid close contact with people who may be sick
- Avoid touching your face
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
- If soap and water is not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.