8 new cases, 16,212 recoveries, and seven more deaths related to COVID-19

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Thursday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 8 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and seven more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 1,212 as of Thursday. Reports indicate that 16,212 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 248,630 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 29,911.
Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Service Unit:
· Chinle Service Unit: 5,497
· Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,864
· Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 3,562
· Gallup Service Unit: 4,730
· Kayenta Service Unit: 2,643
· Shiprock Service Unit: 5,019
· Tuba City Service Unit: 3,628
· Winslow Service Unit: 1,950
* 18 residences with COVID-19 positive cases are not specific enough to place them accurately in a Service Unit.
On Thursday, the state of Arizona reported 1,835 new cases, Utah reported 646, and New Mexico reported 236 new cases. As of March 9, the Navajo Area Indian Health Service reported that 195,554 total vaccine doses have been received, 141,797 administered, which represents nearly 73-percent so far. 52,433 individuals have received a first and second dose of the vaccines.
“COVID-19 vaccines are widely available across the Navajo Nation. The vaccines are highly effective against the virus, but they do not guarantee that you won’t become infected with the virus. So, it’s very important that even after you receive the vaccine, you continue to take all precautions including wearing a mask and staying home as much as possible. On Monday, we will transition to ‘orange status’ and implement a soft reopening of more businesses at 25-percent capacity with strict safety protocols in place. Every business is required to submit a COVID-19 reopening plan to the Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development. Although there are no confirmed reports of the COVID-19 variants on the Navajo Nation, we cannot let down our guard. Let’s keep fighting this invisible monster and keep praying for our people,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.
Health care facilities across the Navajo Nation continue to administer COVID-19 vaccines during drive-thru events or by appointment. If you would like to receive the vaccine, please contact your health care provider for more information for your Service Unit.
“Now that we are transitioning from ‘red status’ to ‘orange status’ next week, personal responsibility is key to continuing the downward trend in new cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations. For the past year, our public health officials have gone above and beyond to inform our people about COVID-19 and offered many recommendations on how to keep ourselves safe and healthy. As more businesses open up at limited capacity and with many safety measures in place, please continue to take all precautions and make good decisions for yourselves and others,” said Vice President Myron Lizer.
The latest public health emergency orders that will take effect on Monday, March 15, are available online at: https://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. 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: http://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19. For COVID-19 related questions and information, call (928) 871-7014.