Navajo Nation reports no COVID-related deaths for third straight day

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Tuesday reported 54 new COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths for the third consecutive day.

The latest numbers pushed the total to 32,600 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The known death total remained at 1,403.

Based on cases from Aug. 13-16, the Navajo Department of Health has issued an advisory notice for 36 communities due to uncontrolled spread of COVID-19.

Tribal President Jonathan Nez has said all Navajo Nation executive branch employees will need to be fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19 by the end of September or be required to submit to regular testing.