Navajo Nation health officials on Thursday reported 257 new coronavirus cases and six more deaths.
The latest figures increased the tribe’s totals since the pandemic began to 24,521 cases and 844 known deaths.
Health officials said more than 212,000 people have been tested for COVID-19 on the reservation and more than 12,600 have recovered.
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.
On Monday, the Navajo Department of Health identified 73 communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 on the tribe’s vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
The Navajo Nation has extended the stay-at-home order and weekend lockdowns through Jan. 25.
The mandated lockdown requiring all residents to stay home except for emergencies, shopping for essentials like food and medicine or traveling to an essential job.
Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
