The Navajo Nation on Monday reported five new COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths for the second consecutive day and fifth time in the last nine days.
Tribal health officials said the latest figures bring the total number of cases since the pandemic started to 30,064. The number of deaths remains 1,246.
The number of infections is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
The Navajo Nation reservation covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.
“Parts of the country are now seeing a rise in new COVID-19 infections due to increases in travel and some states lifting restrictions too soon. Here on the Navajo Nation, we have a ‘safer at home’ order in place,” Navajo President Jonathan Nez said in a statement.
“We continue to require masks to be worn in public, no in-door dining at restaurants and no in-person gatherings of more than 10 people. We are doing everything we can to help reduce the number of new infections, hospitalizations, and deaths,” Nez added. “Personal responsibility is key to fighting this pandemic.”
Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
