Navajo Nation health officials are reporting 197 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one additional death.
The latest figures released Monday night bring the total number of known cases to 13,596 with 603 known deaths.
Tribal health officials said 139,498 people have been tested for COVID-19 since the pandemic started and 7,986 have recovered.
The news comes as the Navajo Nation on Monday reinstated a stay-at-home lockdown for the entire reservation. Under the order, tribal offices will be closed and new closures and safety measures will be required for businesses.
The Navajo Nation Department of Health previously issued a health advisory warning to residents about the uncontrolled spread of the coronavirus that has affected 29 communities throughout the reservation, which spans more than 27,000 square miles (70,000 square kilometers) in parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
Tribal President Jonathan Nez last Friday vetoed a resolution that requested support for the reopening of some tribal casinos in Arizona and New Mexico at half capacity.
Nez said he remains committed to finding additional alternative funds to support tribal businesses and enterprises.
In August, the Navajo Nation approved $24.6 million in CARES Act funds to avoid layoffs of gaming employees.
Republished with the Permission of the Associated Press.
