Navajo Nation At 1,000 COVID-19 Deaths; Vaccine Clinics Continue This Weekend

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Nation reported 11 new COVID-19 deaths on Thursday, putting the total number of people killed by the disease at 1,000.

“We can all do our part to honor their memory and to prevent more deaths by keeping our guard up and taking all precautions to rescue the number of cases,” said Navajo President Jonathan Nez.

59 new cases, 14,275 recoveries, and 11 more deaths related to COVID-19 as health care facilities prepare to offer vaccinations on weekends pic.twitter.com/vL6rUz5eHa

— Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez (@NNPrezNez) January 29, 2021

A news release said more than 40,000 Navajo Nation residents have received the Pfizer and Moderna vaccination shots in the past few weeks with no adverse reactions reported.

Leaders had previously enforced 57-hour weekend lockdowns to slow the spread of the virus. A new health order lifted those lockdowns so leaders could schedule more weekend vaccination clinics.

“I’ve received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine in an effort to show our people that the vaccine is safe and effective,” Nez said.  “We also ask our people to remain patient as we continue to advocate for more vaccines. Our health care workers are doing the very best that they can with the limited number of vaccines that we have received.”

The Navajo Nation is in the Four Corners area, including a part of Utah’s San Juan County.

Two vaccination events are scheduled for Jan. 30 and 31. Information is below.

A news release said there will be long lines at the clinics and more will be announced. It’s recommended that you bring water and snacks.

“Once you receive both doses of the vaccines, it’s very important that everyone continues to mask up and take all precautions to stay safe and healthy,” said Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer.

Navajo Nation Vaccination Clinics

Gallup Indian Medical Center – UNM Gallup Campus

• Saturday, Jan. 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (MST)
• For individuals 65 years and older and reside in the Gallup Service Unit or receive a majority of their healthcare at Gallup Indian Medical Center, bring identification.
• 800 doses will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Please call (505) 722-1117 for more information or if you have questions

Tséhootsooí Medical Center – Fort Defiance, Arizona

• Sunday, Jan. 31, beginning at 9 a.m. (MST)
• For individuals 55 years and older with a medical record established at Tséhootsooí Medical Center and live within the Fort Defiance Service Unit; ID is required.
• 1,000 doses will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Please call (928) 729-3435 for more information or if you have questions