The Navajo Nation is one of the top coronavirus hot spots in the country with more than a thousand cases, according to the latest data. President Jonathan Nez encouraged residents to do their part to control the virus in Monday’s virtual State of the Nation address.
President Nez said the nation’s high number of coronavirus cases is, in part, due to its aggressive testing.
“Obviously if you are testing more, you’ll most likely get more positive cases,” Nez said.
The tribe is testing as many of its first responders as possible and it recently received more test kits, he added.
The nation’s coronavirus cases are projected to peak in early- to mid-May, according to Nez. He urges residents to wear face masks and continue staying indoors to mitigate the spread of the virus.
“We need to hold each other accountable, tell everybody to stay home and we look forward to seeing these numbers drop," he said.
Nez hopes these efforts will lead to fewer coronavirus cases and will change the nation's peak to mid- to end of April.
Navajo leaders also used the Monday address to share information about efforts officials took before and after the tribe had its first confirmed coronavirus. One new effort is a partnership with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo as that state reportedly appears to have passed or reached its peak.
“(Cuomo) said he’s willing to provide some of those unused equipment and supplies to come to the Navajo Nation," Nez said. "That’s a true partnership with one sovereign state to another sovereign nation.”
Vice President Myron Lizer said tribal leaders also are lobbying congressional leaders to provide more direct financial help to Indian Country.
