Navajo Nation reports 51 more COVID-19 cases, 1 new deaths

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Friday reported 51 more COVID-19 cases and one additional death.

It was the third consecutive day that the tribe reported at least one coronavirus-related death after going six days in a row with no additional deaths.

The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 34,350 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the pandemic began more than a year ago.

The known death toll now is 1,454.

Navajo officials still are urging people to get vaccinated, wear masks while in public and minimize their travel.

Tribal President Jonathan Nez said in a statement that the pandemic had changed the way society functions.

“Significant life events, positive or negative, can cause stress, fear, and anxiety,” Nez said. “It’s important to monitor yourself and family members and take steps to manage and lessen stress, fear, or anxiety.”

He urged tribal members have trouble dealing with the stress of the pandemic to seek professional help.

All Navajo Nation executive branch employees had to be fully vaccinated against the virus by the end of September or submit to regular testing.

The tribe’s reservation is the country’s largest at 27,000 square miles (70,000 square kilometers) and it covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.