45 Navajo Nation Communities In COVID Health Advisory

Above, the Navajo Nation Chapter of Iyanbito. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Just when some of us thought that we've seen the worst of COVID-19, new numbers in the Navajo Nation is becoming a concern in the Four Corners region of the U.S.

45 Navajo Nation communities are reporting a high transmission of the virus. Several of them are near Gallup and Jamestown, New Mexico.

According to ABC4 Utah:

(ABC4) — The Navajo Nation experienced 417 new cases and two deaths related to COVID-19 from Nov. 10 to Nov. 17. 

That number is just a fraction of the total number of deaths at 1,952 and overall positive COVID-19 cases at 77,912, despite the nearly 650,000 COVID-19 tests already administered. 

“We urge our Navajo citizens to update their COVID-19 vaccines, boosters and flu shots. If you are feeling ill, please get tested, and get the necessary treatment if needed. Wearing a mask and washing your hands are still the best practices to prevent contracting illnesses. Together, we can prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. Please stay safe throughout the week,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

Based on cases from Nov. 3 to Nov. 16, the Navajo Department of Health issued a Health Advisory Notice for the following 45 communities: 

The communities near Gallup and Jamestown on the list include: Baca/Prewitt, Churchrock, Iyanbito, Shiprock, Ganado, Crownpoint and Thoreau,  

Iyanbito is just on the other side of Interstate 40 from Jamestown.

To read more, including a full list, go here.