Indigenous Peoples and Human Rights

September 1, 2021

Navajo Nation reports uncontrolled spread in 36 communities, as coronavirus spreads through schools


Bitahnii Wilson at K'e Native Action is among the Dine' volunteers who raises his own funds and delivers life-saving water and food. This week, after receiving calls for help from fellow Dine', Bitahnni delivered food and water to elderly. The Navajo Nation government received $2.5 billion in federal virus relief funds -- from the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan -- but the Navajo government has not allocated or distributed the majority of the relief funds.

Navajo Nation reports uncontrolled spread in 36 communities, as coronavirus spreads through schools

By Brenda Norrell
Censored News
September 1, 2021

The Navajo Nation said there is uncontrolled spread of the coronavirus in 36 communities on the nation in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The State of New Mexico, which provides a daily list, shows the virus spread is increasing in Navajo area schools in San Juan County schools in Bloomfield, Farmington and Aztec, New Mexico.

Based on cases from Aug. 13 to Aug. 26, 2021, the Navajo Department of Health issued a Health Advisory Notice for the following 36 communities due to uncontrolled spread of COVID-19:

Aneth, Baca/Prewitt, Becenti, Beclabito, Bird Springs, Bread Springs, Chichiltah, Chinle, Churchrock, Coppermine, Coyote Canyon, Crownpoint, Ganado, Hard Rock, Indian Wells, Iyanbito, Kaibeto, Kayenta, Low Mountain, Lukachukai, Many Farms, Nageezi, Rock Springs, Sheepsprings, Shiprock, Smith Lake, Sweetwater, Tachee/Blue Gap, Teecnospos, Teesto, Thoreau, Tohatchi, Tonalea, Tuba City and Twin Lakes.

On the Navajo Nation, those most likely to contract the virus are 20 to 40 years old. Those most likely to die from the virus are in their 60s on the Navajo Nation. Dine' elderly in their 80s are most likely to die from the virus in bordertowns, according to the Navajo Department of Health data.

Censored News asked the Navajo Nation government about the number of Navajos who have died in bordertown nursing homes, but received no response. Lawsuits were filed by families against Life Care Center nursing home in Farmington due to failed care and neglect during the pandemic. There were 48 deaths from the virus at the bordertown nursing home in December of 2020 when the wrongful death lawsuits were filed.

Nationwide, the Indian Health Service reports that the highest rate of virus spread currently  is in the Oklahoma City service area, which includes north Texas and Kansas. Oklahoma has also led the IHS area with the highest number of vaccinations given.

On Tuesday: 54 new cases on the Navajo Nation

On Tuesday, the Navajo Department of Health reported 54 new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation on Tuesday. The total number of deaths remains 1,403. The report indicates that 30,902 individuals have recovered. The overall total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 32,600.

Navajo Department of Health Data

https://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19/Data


Indian Health Service Data

The Indian Health Service data shows that the Oklahoma City service area, which includes north Texas and Kansas, has administered the largest number of vaccines.


The Indian Health Service data shows the greatest spread of the virus in the past week is in the Oklahoma City service area, followed by the IHS Bemidji service area.


New Mexico: Virus spreading through schools

The State of New Mexico Watchlist, in the first list, shows the spread in northwest New Mexico schools in San Juan Country, with two to four cases today in these schools today.

The second list shows San Juan County businesses and schools reporting COVID-19 cases during the past 11 days.


San Juan County, New Mexico, businesses and schools reporting cases of COVID-19 during the past 11 days.
Bitahnni Wilson delivering food to Navajo elderly after calls for
help this week.

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