Unauthorized coronavirus test used on Navajo Nation, info used in marketing campaign

Unauthorized COVID-19 tests were administered to Navajos and the  information was used in an online marketing campaign. The Navajo Nation Council says the contract was not authorized. Unapproved types of antigen and antibody rapid virus tests were administered to Navajos. The company's services were used during First Lady Biden's recent visit. The services included disinfecting 10 tribal buildings, and distributing "bipolar ionization necklaces," and bracelets to monitor body functions.

By Brenda Norrell
Censored News

Updated May 21, 2021

Unauthorized rapid coronavirus tests were  administered to Navajos. The information,  which includes COVID-19 services during First Lady Jill Biden's visit, was used in an online marketing campaign.

Meanwhile, the Navajo Nation Council said the $3 million contract was not authorized to Agile Technologies, a software technology company. The Navajo Nation issued a cease and desist order to the company on May 7.

Coronavirus testing team reports to Navajo Council Committee on tests and gating measures

Coronavirus testing team reports to Navajo Council Committee on tests and gating measures

Health, Education, and Human Services Committee hears Navajo Nation Testing Team report on COVID-19 testing strategies and gating measures

The 24TH NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL
Office of the Speaker
July 16, 2020
Photos by Navajo Council
Censored News

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Health, Education, and Services Committee (HEHSC) of the 24th Navajo Nation Council heard updates regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) testing strategy and gating measures from the Navajo Epidemiology Center (NEC) and COVID-19 Testing Coordination Team last week Wednesday, Jul. 8.

Team members Dr. Jill Jim, director of the Navajo Department of Health (NDOH), Ramona Antone-Nez, director of the NEC, Dr. Laura Hammit, director of Infectious Disease Programs at the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health and Del Yazzie, epidemiologist, were present for the report.

Dr. Hammit described the Navajo Nation’s COVID-19 testing strategy, which she said is based on recommendations from neighboring states and from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“We’re learning new information all the time, and we need to be able to adapt to that new information, and our recommendations may change,” Dr. Hammit said.