WINDOW ROCK — The Navajo Nation has been hard hit by the COVID-19 health crisis. On Saturday, the Nation reported that a total number of positive tests had reached 698 as of Saturday – an increase of 101 positive cases since Friday.
According to the Navajo Department of Health, the report also indicates that there is now a total of 2,760 negative
test results. There is now a total of 24 confirmed deaths related to COVID-19.
The 698 confirmed positive cases include the following counties:
• Navajo County, AZ: 252
• Apache County, AZ: 79
• Coconino County, AZ: 150
• McKinley County, NM: 92
• San Juan County, NM: 97
• Cibola County, NM: 11
• San Juan County, UT: 11
• Socorro County, NM: 6
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer have also been informed that Abbot ID rapid test kits will become available at Navajo Area IHS facilities and tribally operated health care centers in the next few days, which will allow for test results within several minutes. Currently, test results take an average of two to four days to process.
“Quicker test results will likely result in even higher numbers of positive cases, but it will help to identify those who have the virus and begin to mitigate the cases much quicker. We must do better. If we all stay home this weekend, the spread will lessen. For those celebrating Easter on Sunday, we strongly urge everyone to participate in church services offered through the internet, television, radio, and other safe means of communication. To our health care workers and first responders, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you are doing to help our people. We know it is not easy, but we are with you and we are praying for you every day,” said President Nez, who also thanked everyone that is complying with the curfew and following recommendations from health care professionals.
“There is always a light of hope in every challenge that our Navajo people have ever faced and this is no different. Yes, the numbers are growing, but many people are also testing negative for the virus and many are recovering as well. We will beat COVID-19 together, but we will beat it quicker if we stay home as much as possible,” said Vice President Lizer.