Health officials said Friday broke a record for the Navajo Nation: 351 new cases, and five more deaths, pushing the total case count on the Navajo Reservation well above 14,000.
“On May 13, we had 238 cases reported in one day and today, we far surpassed that total with 351 new cases reported," Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in a statement. "This is not only devastating, but it indicates that the uncontrolled spread of the virus is impacting all communities on the Navajo Nation and in nearby border towns and cities."
This announcement comes as Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico each report several thousand new cases each day, and Navajo leaders are pleading with residents to observe the lockdown rules that are in place for at least the next two weeks.
"If you do not have an emergency, if you’re not in immediate need of food, and if you’re not an essential worker that is required to report to work, then you are mandated to stay home," Nez said. "We have to do more and we have to take it upon ourselves to isolate the virus. When we move, the virus moves and spreads among the people.”
All essential businesses are required to close by 3 p.m. each day, and Navajo police will patrol roads and ensure that residents are leaving their homes only for emergencies and essential travel.
