Navajo Nation reports 20 COVID-19 cases, 3 additional deaths

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The Navajo Department of Health reported 20 new COVID-19 cases and three additional deaths Wednesday.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation has reached 29,794 with 16,124 recoveries. The total number of known deaths is now at 1,187.

It has nearly been a year since the first case of COVID-19 was reported on the Navajo Nation. The first confirmed case was on March 17, 2020. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said his office will coordinate a virtual event to honor and remember the lives that have been lost since then.

"Despite all of the adversities, challenges and uncertainties that we have experienced over the last year, our Navajo people and frontline warriors continue to show their determination, resilience and faith," Nez said. "We are seeing our data improve little by little, but we must remain focused and continue to support one another to continue preventing the spread of COVID-19."

On Wednesday, New Mexico reported 359 new COVID-19 cases, Utah reported 729 cases, and Arizona reported 1,284 cases.

Officials released the latest cases organized by service unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 5,477
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,855
• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 3,544
• Gallup Service Unit: 4,707
• Kayenta Service Unit: 2,637
• Shiprock Service Unit: 5,007
• Tuba City Service Unit: 3,615
• Winslow Service Unit: 1,934
• 18 residences are not specific enough to be placed in an accurate service unit

The Navajo Nation’s curfew remains in effect from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily.