Navajo Nation health officials are reporting 63 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, but no additional deaths for the seventh consecutive day. The latest figures released Monday bring the total number of cases to nearly 11,362 with the known death toll remaining at 574. Tribal health officials say 121,827 people on the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah have been tested for COVID-19 since the pandemic started. In that same time, nearly 7,500 have recovered. A shelter-in-place order, mask mandate, daily curfews and weekend lockdowns remain in effect on the Navajo Nation.
Enrolled members of the Navajo Nation can now apply for the Hardship Assistance Program, which was designed to help community members work through the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program application is now open for Navajo people who are at least 65 years old; it’s also open to people with special needs, according to a statement from the Navajo Office of the President and Vice President.
The program was rolled out with prioritization toward elders and those with special needs, "to help ensure that our Navajo elders and special needs citizens are provided the opportunity to ask questions and apply for the hardship assistance," Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in a statement.
On November 2, an online application will be open for all members. Members over the age of 18 are eligible for up to $1,500, while minors are eligible for up to $500.