Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

May 9, 2020

Navajo Nation: Rate of coronavirus spread increases, now with 96 deaths


Navajo President led food delivery to Hard Rock, Forest Lake and Black Mesa on Friday. Photo Navajo President's Office.

Navajo Nation on Friday: 119 new cases of COVID-19 and eight more deaths reported in 24 hours

By Brenda Norrell
Censored News
May 9, 2020

The Navajo Nation reports a large increase in the number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the past 24 hours. There are 119 new cases of COVID-19 and eight more deaths, now with a total of 96 deaths as of Friday. The total number of cases has reached 2,876.

On Friday, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez staff, employes and chapter health representatives distributed food, water, and supplies to families in the remote communities of Hard Rock, Forest Lake, and Black Mesa. 

Navajo President Jonathan Nez said, “The only way we’re going to get through the COVID-19 pandemic is by unifying our efforts and working together and that’s what we’re doing when we collaborate with chapters and others to get food, water, and other supplies to families. Today, we saw a lot of elders that live in rural areas and we were able to give them the supplies they need to stay home and stay safe so that they don’t have to go into public and put themselves at risk of the virus. During this weekend’s curfew, we ask everyone to abide by the curfew and stay home!."

Speaking of Mother’s Day, President Nez said, "In our families, the mothers and grandmothers are the foundation and the source of strength for us throughout our lives. We wish all of you a Happy Mother’s Day. Please be safe."

The distribution by the Navajo President's Office began two weeks ago. About 4,500 families have received food, water, fire wood, protective masks, sanitizer and cleaning products, pet food, and other essential items.

A total of 17,858 COVID-19 tests have been administered with 13,426 negative test results.
The 2,876 confirmed positive cases on the Navajo Nation include the following counties:

· McKinley County, NM: 787

· Apache County, AZ: 739

· Navajo County, AZ: 609

· Coconino County, AZ: 314

· San Juan County, NM: 295

· San Juan County, UT: 49

· Socorro County, NM: 26

· Cibola County, NM: 33

· Bernalillo County: 3

· Sandoval County, NM: 21




1 comment:

Alida Marie Betts said...

Nice to know they are being cared for. That everyone can abide by the nightly curfews. Not grab signs. Protest. Every life matters. That especially if our elders. Stay home. Quit whining Americans. Take example from the Dine and protect people over profit !