Arizona Public Radio | Your Source for NPR News
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Navajo Nation Reports Highest-Ever Number Of New Known COVID-19 Cases

AP, file

Navajo Nation health officials Sunday reported the highest number of COVID-19 infections to date during the pandemic.

The tribe confirmed more 381 new known cases and five more deaths. Navajo leaders have implemented a three-week stay-at-home lockdown for residents except for in cases of emergency and for essential workers along with other measures to limit the spread.

President Jonathan Nez says there is uncontrolled spread of COVID in most reservation communities and is urging people to stay home.

"We have to recommit to fighting COVID-19 and tell our loved ones to take this virus seriously. The next month or two will be very tough, but we will eventually overcome this pandemic. With the Thanksgiving Day holiday upon us, we have to do what is best for our families and that’s to celebrate with only those that live within our own household," says Nez.

More than 15,000 people on the Navajo Nation have tested positive since the pandemic began and 631 have died.

Related Content