San Juan County, Navajo Nation COVID-19 case updates for June 2022
Welcome to the June edition of the Farmington Daily Times' daily COVID-19 news and stats blog. The days are getting longer and the information briefs from the state are getting shorter.
Daily updates are below, short news items about the pandemic will appear on the top of this blog.
Where can you get a free COVID vaccine in San Juan County?
The San Juan County Public Health Office continues to hold clinics to administer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and offers the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5 years old and up.
To register for vaccinations go to vaccinenm.org.
Parents can use the website to schedule appointments for their dependents by logging into the parent profile. They also need to approve the electronic consent before arriving to the clinic site.
Scheduling your appointment at vaccinenm.org is recommended. Walk-ins will be accepted based on remaining available doses.
For help with registration, call 1-855-600-3453. Additional appointment times may become available.
More: San Juan hospital leaders thank staff and visiting medical teams who toiled at height of COVID
Shiprock hospital offers COVID-19 vaccines
COVID-19 vaccines are available weekdays at the drive-up vaccine trailer at Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock.
The hospital continues to provide primary vaccines, first booster shots and second booster shots based on current recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Ages 5-11 should have two doses of the pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least three weeks apart and one COVID-19 booster dose at least five months after second primary dose.
Ages 12-17 should have two primary doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and one COVID-19 booster dose at least five months after second primary dose.
Ages 18+ should complete primary series (two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine), followed by one COVID-19 booster shot (five months after Pfizer or Moderna or two months after J&J).
Ages 50+ can choose to receive a second COVID-19 booster at least four months after their first COVID-19 booster.
Ages 12 and older who have weakened immune systems due to illness or medications can choose to get a second COVID-19 booster, four months after their first one.
More: Navajo Nation Council thanks medical, frontline workers for pandemic response
COVID-19 Resources
State coronavirus hotline: 1-855-600-3453
Non-health related COVID-19 questions: 1-833-551-0518
Navajo Department of Health COVID-19 website: ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/covid-19
Navajo Health Command Operations Center: 1-928-871-7014
State coronavirus website: cv.nmhealth.org
Note: The New Mexico Department of Health no longer reports COVID-19 statistics on weekends, so counts released on Mondays will contain figures for a three-day reporting period. In February, the Navajo Department of Health adjusted when they release new case reports for the Navajo Nation from daily to weekdays only.
Updates for Thursday, June 30
5:55 p.m.: There are 71 new cases of COVID-19 for the Navajo Nation, according to today's update from health officials.
They stated that six additional cases were not immediately reported to them. There are now 75,248 cases.
"The majority of delayed reported cases are due to delays in reporting from state agencies," the officials stated. "A new case is defined as a positive test within the last 72 hours. Some cases are due to delayed reporting from the states. Any positive tests from beyond the last 72 hours are considered delayed."
There were no additional deaths in the update. This keeps the death toll at 1,811.
Since the pandemic started more than two years ago, there have been 552,926 tests conducted.
Updates for Wednesday, June 29
5:44 p.m.: State health officials reported 1,129 cases of COVID-19 on June 29 and four new pandemic-related deaths.
San Juan County has seen 43,244 COVID-19 cases since March of 2020 and 783 pandemic-related deaths, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.
The county reported 120 new infections on June 29 and no new deaths. San Juan County had reported 93 cases on June 28.
The two-week COVID-19 test positivity rate rose just over 6 points in San Juan County between June 14 and June 27, reaching 21.2%. That means that just over 21% of people submitting COVID-19 tests had results that came back positive during that time period.
That works out to just over 66 cases per 100,000 people between June 14 and June 27 in San Juan County.
Statewide there have been 562,791 cases of COVID-19 reported in New Mexico since March of 2020 and 7,928 pandemic-related deaths.
There were 188 people being treated in New Mexico hospitals due to COVID-19 on June 29, 22 of whom required a ventilator.
5:30 p.m.: Today's update by health officials for the Navajo Nation lists 169 new COVID-19 cases and three virus-related deaths.
"As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, we must continue to take on the responsibility, as individuals and for our families, to ensure that we take the proper precautions to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in a statement.
"If everyone follows the COVID-19 protocols from our public health experts this holiday weekend, we should not see a large surge in new cases next week or the week after," he continued. "When families gather in-person, they tend to let their guard down and that's when we see cluster cases develop. Please be very cautious and continue to pray for our nation and our frontline warriors."
There have been 550,536 tests conducted since the pandemic started, according to health officials.
The total number of cases is 57,171. This number includes delayed reporting for 101 cases.
Once again, health officials explained that majority of delayed cases are because of delays in reporting from state agencies.
"A new case is defined as a positive test within the last 72 hours," the update states. "Some cases are due to delayed reporting from the states. Any positive tests from beyond the last 72 hours are considered delayed."
The death toll is now 1,811.
Updates for Tuesday, June 28
There were 748 more cases of COVID-19 reported in New Mexico on June 28 by state health officials and 13 more pandemic-related deaths.
The numbers represent a decline compared to last week. There were 1,250 cases and six new deaths reported across New Mexico on Friday, June 24, according to the New Mexico Department of Health, 200 fewer cases than were reported on June 23.
San Juan County gained 93 cases on June 28 for a total of 43,124 cases since March of 2020 and 783 deaths. No new deaths were reported Tuesday or over the weekend in San Juan County. By comparison, there 116 more cases and one more death on June 24 and 118 new cases on June 23.
There were 199 patients under treatment in New Mexico hospitals due to COVID-19 infections as of June 28, 19 of whom required ventilators. That hospitalization number is just a bit higher than numbers reflected last week.
As of June 28, New Mexico Department of Health officials have counted 561,665 COVID-19 cases since March of 2020 in New Mexico and 7,924 pandemic-related deaths.
5:54 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center are reporting 52 new cases of COVID-19 today.
There were no additional virus-related deaths in the update. Since the pandemic started more than two years ago, there have been 1,808 people who have died.
The total number of cases is 56,901. This tally includes delayed reporting for 44 cases.
"A new case is defined as a positive test within the last 72 hours. Some cases are due to delayed reporting from the states. Any positive tests from beyond the last 72 hours are considered delayed," the report states.
A total of 549,833 tests have been conducted since March 2020.
"The strength and resilience of our Navajo people remains within each of us to this day," Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in the report. "Through that strength and with our prayers each day, we are persevering through this COVID-19 pandemic."
Updates for Monday, June 27
6:22 p.m.: Health officials for the Navajo Nation are reporting 226 new COVID-19 cases and one virus-related death over the three-day period.
Below is a breakdown of the latest numbers, including this past weekend and today:
June 25 through June 26: 197 new cases, 1 death
June 27: 29 new cases, no deaths
The single death raised the death toll to 1,808.
There have been 56,805 cases since the pandemic started. The tally includes delayed reporting for four cases.
The total number of tests that have been conducted is 549,818.
Northern Navajo Medical Center will offer COVID-19 vaccines to individuals 6 months and older at community vaccination events from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 28 and July 5 at Shiprock High School.
The Navajo Department of Health issued a health advisory notice for 63 communities because of high risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Communities in New Mexico: Baca-Prewitt, Beclabito, Breadsprings, Chichiltah, Church Rock, Coyote Canyon, Crownpoint, Crystal, Iyanbito, Lake Valley, Manuelito, Mariano Lake, Mexican Springs, Nahodishgish, Naschitti, Newcomb, Pinedale, Pueblo Pintado, Ramah, Red Lake, Rock Springs, Sheep Springs, Shiprock, Thoreau, Tohatchi, Tsayatoh, Twin Lakes and Upper Fruitland.
Communities in Arizona or Utah: Birdsprings, Black Mesa, Chilchinbeto, Chinle, Dennehotso, Dilkon, Forest Lake, Fort Defiance, Ganado, Houck, Indian Wells, Jeddito, Kayenta, Klagetoh, Leupp, Low Mountain, Lukachukai, Lupton, Many Farms, Nazlini, Oak Springs, Pinon, Red Valley, Rock Point, Rough Rock, Round Rock, Sawmill, Shonto, St. Michaels, Tachee-Blue Gap, Teec Nos Pos, Teesto, Tsaile-Wheatfields, Tselani-Cottonwood and Wide Ruins.
Communities can remain under advisory until risk and cases decline, according to the health department.
Updates for Friday, June 24
4:47 p.m.: There are 139 new cases of COVID-19 for the Navajo Nation today, according to the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Epidemiology Center and Navajo Area Indian Health Service.
The agencies reported that one case was recently disclosed to them.
"A new case is defined as a positive test within the last 72 hours. Some cases are due to delayed reporting from the states. Any positive tests from beyond the last 72 hours are considered delayed," the report explained.
There have been 56,575 cases since the pandemic started. The number of tests that have been conducted is 549,026.
No additional deaths from COVID-19 were reported in the update. The death toll remains at 1,807.
4:01 p.m.: The number of new COVID-19 cases declined a bit across New Mexico June 24. Numbers in San Juan County stayed stable, although higher than in recent weeks.
There were 1,250 cases and six new deaths reported June 24 according to the New Mexico Department of Health, 200 fewer cases than were reported June 23.
San Juan County, which has seen 42,850 cases since March of 2020 and 783 pandemic-related deaths, reported 116 more cases and one more death on June 24.
Statewide there have been 558,259 cases reported since the start of the pandemic and 7,905 deaths.There were 196 people hospitalized on June 24 due to COVID-19, 18 of whom required ventilators.
Updates for Thursday, June 23
6:45 p.m.: Today's report by health officials for the Navajo Nation lists 121 new cases of COVID-19.
Since the pandemic started more than two years ago, there have been 56,435 cases. This tally includes delayed reporting for one case.
"A new case is defined as a positive test within the last 72 hours," the report states. "Some cases are due to delayed reporting from the states. Any positive tests from beyond the last 72 hours are considered delayed."
A total of 548,248 tests have been conducted since the pandemic began.
The report did not list any recent COVID-19 deaths. The death toll remains at 1,807.
"The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available at health facilities on the Navajo Nation for children who are between the ages of six months old and 5-years-old. If you have a child within this age group, our public health experts strongly recommend that you get your child vaccinated to help prevent severe illness if your child gets COVID-19," Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in the report.
He added, "if you look at the data, our elders continue to lead the way once again with a vaccination rate of 90% for the 65 years and older group. We all have to do our part to push back on this virus. Please continue to take precautions and continue to pray."
4:32 p.m.: Statewide COVID-19 infection rates rose on June 23 when 1,450 cases and eight more pandemic-related deaths were reported by New Mexico state health officials.
A day before, on June 22, there were 926 new cases of COVID-19 reported and eight more pandemic-related deaths.
Hospitalization numbers also rose by 19 people compared to the previous day. There were 194 patients under treatment in New Mexico hospitals June 23 due to COVID-19, 16 of whom required ventilators.
The New Mexico Department of Health website reported that San Juan County, which has seen 42,734 cases since March of 2020 and 782 pandemic-related deaths, had 118 new cases on June 23 and no new deaths.
Updates for Wednesday, June 22
6:03 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, along with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and Navajo Area Indian Health Service, are reporting today 65 new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation.
They reported that an additional 65 cases were not immediately known to them.
"The majority of delayed reported cases are due to delays in reporting from state agencies," today's update states. "A new case is defined as a positive test within the last 72 hours. Some cases are due to delayed reporting from the states. Any positive tests from beyond the last 72 hours are considered delayed."
There have been 56,313 cases since the pandemic started in March 2020.
The number of tests that have been conducted is 547,578.
The death toll rose to 1,807 after health officials reported three more people have died because of COVID-19.
"COVID-19 cases have increased across the country and when that occurs, we tend to see an increase here on the Navajo Nation," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in the update. "As I've said many times before, the best defense against COVID-19 are the vaccines and the guidelines from our public health experts including wearing a mask in public places. We know what we have to do to push back on this invisible monster, so please be very cautious and continue to pray."
2:54 p.m.: There were 926 new cases of COVID-19 reported June 22 by New Mexico state health officials, and eight more pandemic-related deaths.
San Juan County, which has seen 42,616 cases and 782 deaths as of June 22, has seen 421 cases since June 16, an average of 70 cases per day during that period, according to statistics gathered from the New Mexico Department of Health website.
Statewide as of June 22 there have been 555,592 cases of COVID-19 reported in New Mexico, 5,255 of those cases since June 16, an average of just over 875 cases per day across New Mexico.
There have been 7,891 pandemic-related deaths statewide since March of 2020, 19 of those deaths reported since June 16.
There were 175 people under treatment in New Mexico hospitals on June 22, 14 of whom required ventilators. Hospitalization numbers have been relatively stable with daily increases and decreases of as many as 20 to 30 patients over the past six days.
Updates for Tuesday, June 21
8:24 p.m.: The Navajo Nation had 309 new cases of COVID-19 from June 18 through June 21, according to the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Epidemiology Center and Navajo Area Indian Health Service.
The three agencies report the breakdown in case numbers as:
June 18-19: 240 new cases, 2 deaths
June 20: 25 new cases, no deaths
June 21: 44 new cases, no deaths
The total number of cases is 56,245. This tally includes delayed reporting for 92 cases.
Since the pandemic started more than two years ago, there have been 1,804 people who have died because of COVID-19.
A total of 544,264 tests have been conducted.
The Navajo Department of Health issued a health advisory notice for 60 communities on the tribal land. The placement is due to uncontrolled spread of COVID-19.
In New Mexico, the communities are Baca-Prewitt, Beclabito, Breadsprings, Chichiltah, Church Rock, Coyote Canyon, Crownpoint, Crystal, Gadiiahi, Iyanbito, Mariano Lake, Mexican Springs, Nahodishgish, Naschitti, Newcomb, Pinedale, Ramah, Red Lake, Sheep Springs, Shiprock, Tohatchi, Twin Lakes and Upper Fruitland.
The communities in Arizona or Utah are Aneth, Bird Springs, Black Mesa, Cameron, Chinle, Cove, Dennehotso, Dilkon, Fort Defiance, Ganado, Houck, Indian Wells, Kayenta, Leupp, Low Mountain, Lukachukai, Lupton, Many Farms, Nahatadziil, Nazlini, Oaksprings, Piñon, Red Valley, Rock Point, Rough Rock, Sawmill, Shonto, St. Michaels, Tachee-Blue Gap, Teec Nos Pos, Teesto, Tonalea, Tsaile-Wheatfields, Tselani-Cottonwood, Tuba City and Wide Ruins.
Updates for Friday, June 17
6:12 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Epidemiology Center and Navajo Area Indian Health Service are reporting 124 new cases of COVID-19 today.
The total number of cases is 55,844. This number includes delayed reporting for 13 cases.
"A new case is defined as a positive test within the last 72 hours. Some cases are due to delayed reporting from the states," the report states. "Any positive tests from beyond the last 72 hours are considered delayed."
Also reported were the deaths of two people because of the virus. The death toll is now 1,082.
A total of 543,718 tests have been conducted since the pandemic started in March 2020.
"Happy Father's Day to all of the fathers, grandfathers, uncles and caretakers out there who are sacrificing to raise and love their children. As we celebrate this special day this weekend, please do so responsibly to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your homes and within your family," Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in the report.
5:09 p.m.: New Mexico health officials reported 1,283 more cases of COVID-19 on June 17 and 11 more pandemic-related deaths.
Statewide as of June 17 there have been 551,614 COVID-19 cases counted since the start of the pandemic and 7,883 deaths.
There were 157 people hospitalized June 17 due to COVID-19, 19 of whom required ventilators.
San Juan County, which has seen 42,195 cases and 782 pandemic-related deaths since March of 2020, reported 69 new cases on June 17 and no new deaths.
Updates for Thursday, June 16
4:37 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, along with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and Navajo Area Indian Health Service, are reporting 97 new cases of COVID-19 today.
Their report states there are 287 cases were delayed reporting occurred.
"The majority of delayed reported cases are due to delays in reporting from state agencies," the report states.
"A new case is defined as a positive test within the last 72 hours. Some cases are due to delayed reporting from the states. Any positive tests from beyond the last 72 hours are considered delayed," according to the update.
The total number of cases is now 55,707.
The agencies did not report any additional deaths, keeping the death toll at 1,800.
There have been 542,850 tests conducted since the pandemic started two years ago.
4:15 p.m.: There were 1,091 new cases of COVID-19 reported by the New Mexico Department of Health June 16 and three more pandemic-related deaths.
San Juan County, which has seen 42,126 cases since March of 2020 and 782 pandemic-related deaths, reported 51 new cases on June 16 and one new death.
Statewide the Department of Health has counted 550,337 cases since the start of the pandemic and 7,872 pandemic-related deaths.
There were 161 patients in New Mexico hospitals due to the pandemic, 16 of whom required ventilators.
There were 28,051 who have been hospitalized due to COVID-19 since March of 2020, 122 between June 7 and June 13, according to the state’s June 13 report on hospitalization statistics. Of those hospitalized, 5,379 people – 19.2% of all people hospitalized – died due to COVID-19, the report stated.
Updates for Wednesday, June 15
8:43 p.m.: Today's report by health officials for the Navajo Nation has 89 new cases of COVID-19 and no recent virus-related deaths.
The total number of cases is now 55,323. This number includes delayed reporting for 17 cases. The death toll remains at 1,800.
A total of 542,249 tests have been conducted since the pandemic started two years ago.
The report did not state the number of individuals who are considered recovered from the virus or case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area Indian Health Service.
"If you feel sick or have a fever, cough, body aches, sore throat or other symptoms related to COVID-19, please isolate yourself, do not go into public places and get tested as soon as you can," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in the report.
"The spread of COVID-19 is preventable, but it ultimately comes down to our daily choices and actions," he added.
4:21 p.m.: COVID-19 case numbers accelerated June 15, reaching 1,132 new cases reported by the New Mexico Department of Health, 364 more cases than were reported the previous day.
Of those newly-reported cases, 44 were from two weeks ago and the rest are current numbers.
“It’s not a backlog but, the natural variation of cases day-to-day,” said health department spokesperson Jodi McGinnis-Porter.
The state also reported four more pandemic-related deaths.
There were 165 people hospitalized due to COVID-19 infections on June 15, 12 fewer patients than the day before.
Of those hospitalized, 17 patients required a ventilator.
Statewide there have been 549,246 cases reported since March of 2020 and 7,869 pandemic-related deaths.
San Juan County, which has seen 42,075 COVID-19 cases and 781 deaths since March of 2020, added 71 new cases Wednesday and had no new deaths reported.
Updates for Tuesday, June 14
11:33 p.m.: The Navajo Nation has 16 new cases of COVID-19 and two more deaths related to the virus, according to information released today by health officials for the tribe.
Since the pandemic started in March 2020, there have been 55,217 cases. This number includes delayed reporting for eight cases.
"A new case is defined as a positive test within the last 72 hours. Some cases are due to delayed reporting from the states. Any positive tests from beyond the last 72 hours are considered delayed," health officials explained in the report.
There have been 1,800 people who have died because of COVID-19 since the pandemic began.
The report did not include other details such as the number of tests administered or case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area Indian Health Service.
5:18 p.m.: State health officials reported 768 new cases of COVID-19 across New Mexico June 14 and two more pandemic-related deaths.
San Juan County’s test positivity rate took a big climb for the first time in months, rising from just above 6% two weeks ago to 15% between May 31 and June 13. That means that 15 out of every 100 tests processed came back positive for COVID-19.
The county added 56 cases June 14 with no new deaths reported. That means the county has reported 42,001 COVID-19 cases since March of 2020 and 781 deaths, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.
Statewide there have been 548,119 cases reported since March of 2020 and 7,865 deaths.
Hospitalization numbers also climbed Tuesday as the state reported there were 177 people under treatment in New Mexico hospitals due to COVID-19 infections, 19 of whom required ventilators. There were 135 people hospitalized on Monday, 14 of whom required ventilators.
Updates for Monday, June 13
7:20 p.m.: Over the last three days the Navajo Nation saw 138 new cases of COVID-19 and one death related to COVID-19, health officials for the tribe reported today.
Below are case numbers from Saturday, Sunday and and Monday:
June 11: 34 new cases, 1 death
June 12: 63 new cases, no deaths
June 13: 41 new cases, no deaths
"A full report will be available on Tuesday," the report states.
The Navajo Department of Health issued a health advisory notice for 40 communities on the tribal land because of uncontrolled spread of COVID-19.
The department made its determination on cases from May 27 to June 9.
New Mexico communities: Baca-Prewitt, Beclabito, Breadsprings, Chichiltah, Church Rock, Coyote Canyon, Crownpoint, Iyanbito, Mariano Lake, Nahodishgish, Newcomb, Rock Springs, Sanostee, Sheep Springs, Shiprock, Standing Rock, Twin Lakes and Upper Fruitland.
Arizona or Utah communities: Black Mesa, Chinle, Ganado, Hard Rock, Indian Wells, Kaibeto, Kayenta, Lukachukai, Many Farms, Navajo Mountain, Piñon, Red Valley, Rock Point, Shonto, St. Michaels, Tachee-Blue Gap, Teesto, Tonalea, Tsaile-Wheatfields, Tselani-Cottonwood, Tuba City and Wide Ruins.
4:39 p.m.: San Juan County reported 127 new COVID-19 cases over a three-day counting period that saw 2,494 new cases statewide and two more pandemic-related deaths.
Statewide there were an average of just over 831 new cases per day during the weekend count. The pandemic’s death toll among New Mexicans since March of 2020 reached 7,863 on Monday.
Locally there were just over 42 cases per day during the period beginning on June 11 and ending June 13. The state’s numbers released June 13 lowered the pandemic death toll in San Juan County by two, to 781 individuals.
There were 135 people under treatment in New Mexico hospitals Monday due to COVID-19, 14 of whom required ventilators.
Updates for Friday, June 10
There were 990 new case of COVID-19 reported on Friday by the New Mexico Department of Health, and seven more pandemic-related deaths.
San Juan County has seen 41,818 cases as of June 10. There were 132 new cases reported since June 8 – 67 of those cases on June 9 and 65 on June 10.
There have been 783 pandemic-related deaths in San Juan County since March of 2020, three of them between June 9 and June 10.
Statewide there have been 544,867 COVID-19 cases reported since March of 2020 in the state of New Mexico and 7,873 pandemic-related deaths.
On June 10 there were 130 people hospitalized due to the virus, 14 of whom required ventilators.
5:56 p.m.: Today's report released by health officials for the Navajo Nation lists 98 new COVID-19 cases and no recent deaths related to the virus.
The update stated there were 14 cases that were confirmed more than three days ago but recently reported to the tribe's health officials.
"A new case is defined as a positive test within the last 72 hours. Some cases are due to delayed reporting from the states. Any positive tests from beyond the last 72 hours are considered delayed," the report states.
The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS since March 2020:
Chinle Service Unit: 10,619
Crownpoint Service Unit: 5,286
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 5,630
Gallup Service Unit: 9,163
Kayenta Service Unit: 5,221
Shiprock Service Unit: 10,111
Tuba City Service Unit: 6,078
Winslow Service Unit: 2,901
*22 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.
The total number of cases reached 55,031 today while the death toll remains at 1,797.
There are 52,552 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus and a total of 539,409 tests have been conducted.
Updates for Thursday, June 9
5:44 p.m.: The Navajo Nation saw 47 new cases of COVID-19 today, according to the report released by health officials.
However, there were 117 cases categorized as "delayed" because health officials were recently notified about them.
"A new case is defined as a positive test within the last 72 hours. Some cases are due to delayed reporting from the states. Any positive tests from beyond the last 72 hours are considered delayed," the update states.
The new and delayed cases bring the total number of cases to 54,919.
"We have the weapons to fight back against this modern-day monster known as COVID-19," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in the update. "Our masks and vaccines are our protection against the virus. Our public health experts have given us the guidance and knowledge to understand that if we let our guard down during in-person family gatherings and when we travel, the risk of getting COVID-19 increases."
Officials reported no recent deaths related to the virus. The death toll remains at 1,797.
There are 52,532 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 539,045 tests have been conducted.
The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS since the pandemic started:
Chinle Service Unit: 10,581
Crownpoint Service Unit: 5,279
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 5,614
Gallup Service Unit: 9,146
Kayenta Service Unit: 5,206
Shiprock Service Unit: 10,101
Tuba City Service Unit: 6,072
Winslow Service Unit: 2,898
*22 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.
Updates for Wednesday, June 8
8:13 p.m.: State officials noted a rise in COVID-19 cases in many areas of the state June 8 as their daily numbers report documented 1,100 new COVID-19 cases and 13 more pandemic-related deaths.
That sum reflects 375 more cases than were reported the day before, June 7. Officials reported an average of 769 cases per day between June 4 and June 6 across New Mexico.
But officials say the overall impact of the virus is less than earlier in the pandemic and death and hospitalization rates have leveled off. And those are the two numbers that now matter to public health officials.
The Associated Press reported that Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. David Scrase said June 8 during his first briefing on the pandemic in months that the situation is very different now than it was over the winter. He noted that more tools and treatments are available and that infections are resulting in far fewer hospitalizations and deaths.
“This isn't about infections. It's about serious disease, it's about hospitalizations, it's about deaths. That's what we need to pay attention to," he said of the focus. “... Our deaths are only a fraction, our hospitalizations are only a fraction and that's really the sticking point for this state.”
There have been 542,746 cases reported by the New Mexico Department of Health since March of 2020 and 7,862 pandemic-related deaths.
Hospitalization rates climbed slightly on Wednesday by eight to 140 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in New Mexico facilities. Nine of those patients required a ventilator. The week began with 125 hospitalized patients on June 6.
Compared to hospitalization numbers earlier in the pandemic, these numbers are still considered low, as is the fraction of patients who now require ventilators to breathe when they become severely ill.
State epidemiologist Dr. Christine Ross, who will step down from her post in the coming weeks, said it has been a long and difficult public health period but that she was pleased to report what she called a welcomed difference from the severity of prior infections.
“What we're seeing with this wave is very different than what we've seen in the past,” she said, pointing to multiple factors that range from the properties of the latest variant to what she referred to as a wall of protection created by vaccination and immunity resulting from infections and in some cases re-infections.
San Juan County, which has reported 41,686 new cases and 780 pandemic-related deaths since March of 2020, reported 63 new cases on June 8 and three more pandemic-related deaths.
A look at San Juan County’s numbers from last week based on Johns Hopkins University statistics showed no growth in local cases, and the state’s maps tracking virus spread show the county in a low “green” status for virus transmissibility. The county reported 163 cases and one death last week. A week earlier, it had 162 cases and seven deaths.
Health officials acknowledged the difficulty in analyzing data now because many positive infection tests conducted at home go unreported.
While state data showed vaccinated and boosted people made up nearly two-thirds of COVID-19 cases reported over the last four weeks, Scrase said the numbers should not be considered a study of how effective vaccination might be “because there are too many variables.”
5:37 p.m.: Today's report released by the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center lists 126 new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation.
The officials also reported that two more people have died because of COVID-19. These recent deaths put the death toll at 1,797.
There have been 54,755 cases since the pandemic started two years ago. This tally includes delayed reporting for seven cases.
The three agencies have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS since the pandemic began:
Chinle Service Unit: 10,564
Crownpoint Service Unit: 5,276
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 5,611
Gallup Service Unit: 9,142
Kayenta Service Unit: 5,198
Shiprock Service Unit: 10,089
Tuba City Service Unit: 5,955
Winslow Service Unit: 2,898
*22 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.
There are 52,464 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 537,520 tests have been conducted.
Updates for Tuesday, June 7
5:18 p.m.: Health officials for the Navajo Nation have reported 34 new COVID-19 cases today as well as one recent death related to the virus.
There were also three cases recently reported to officials and one death recently reported.
Since the pandemic started in March 2020, there have been 54,622 cases while the death toll is at 1,795.
The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:
Chinle Service Unit: 10,529
Crownpoint Service Unit: 5,256
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 5,605
Gallup Service Unit: 9,117
Kayenta Service Unit: 5,187
Shiprock Service Unit: 10,065
Tuba City Service Unit: 5,948
Winslow Service Unit: 2,893
*22 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.
There are 52,453 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 536,963 tests have been conducted.
4:50 p.m.: There were 725 new cases of COVID-19 reported in New Mexico on June 7 and five more pandemic-related deaths.
Statewide there have been 541,646 cases of COVID-19 reported in the state since March of 2020, and 7,849 pandemic-related deaths.
There have been 27,074 hospitalizations in the state related to COVID-19 infections. On Tuesday there were 132 patients under treatment, 15 of whom required a ventilator.
San Juan County, which by June 7 had seen 41,623 cases and 777 deaths since the pandemic reached New Mexico in 2020, reported 55 new cases and no new deaths.
Note: This post was updated on June 8 with new San Juan County numbers.
Updates for Monday, June 6
6:27 p.m.: Over the last three days the Navajo Nation saw 156 new cases of COVID-19 and no additional deaths, according to today's report.
Below are case numbers including the weekend and Monday:
June 4 through June 5: 121 new cases, no deaths
June 6: 35 new cases, no deaths
The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS since March 2020:
Chinle Service Unit: 10,522
Crownpoint Service Unit: 5,255
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 5,601
Gallup Service Unit: 9,110
Kayenta Service Unit: 5,180
Shiprock Service Unit: 10,059
Tuba City Service Unit: 5,946
Winslow Service Unit: 2,890
*22 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.
The total number of cases is 54,585. This number includes delayed reporting for 12 cases.
There are 52,431 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 535,475 tests have been conducted. The death toll remains at 1,793.
The Navajo Department of Health has placed 32 communities on the tribal land under a health advisory notice because of COVID-19 infections.
The department determined the listing based on cases from May 20 to June 2.
Communities in New Mexico: Breadsprings, Church Rock, Coyote Canyon, Crownpoint, Mariano Lake, Nageezi, Nahodishgish, Newcomb, Rock Springs, Sheep Springs, Shiprock, Standing Rock, Tohatchi, Tsayatoh and Twin Lakes
Communities in Arizona or Utah: Black Mesa, Chinle, Ganado, Hard Rock, Houck, Indian Wells, Kaibeto, Kayenta, Many Farms, Nazlini, Shonto, St. Michaels, Teesto, Tsaile-Wheatfields, Tsalani-Cottonwood, Whippoorwill and Wide Ruins
2:41 p.m.: State health officials reported 2,307 new cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico during a three-day counting period ending June 6. They also reported 19 more pandemic-related deaths.
That number breaks down to an average of 769 cases per day between June 4 and June 6 across New Mexico.
San Juan County, which by June 6 had seen 41,568 cases since March of 2020 and 777 pandemic-related deaths, reported 165 new cases during the three-day counting period and eight more pandemic-related deaths. The case number equals an average of 55 new cases per day during that period in the county.
Statewide there have been 540,931 recorded cases of COVID-19 since March of 2020 and 7,844 pandemic-related deaths.
There were 127 people being treated in New Mexico hospitals Monday due to COVID-19 infections, 12 of whom required ventilators.
Note: This blog was updated at 4 p.m. with new numbers for San Juan County.
Updates for Friday, June 3
3:46 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health along with the Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center are reporting 83 new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation.
"We've experienced increases in new COVID-19 cases before and we know how to push back by taking the precautions recommended by our public health experts," tribal President Jonathan Nez said. "We are in this together and we have to do our best to protect ourselves and our loved ones, especially our elders. The best defense against the virus are the vaccines, booster shots and face masks, so please be very careful. We are in this together."
The three entities have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS since the pandemic started:
Chinle Service Unit: 10,470
Crownpoint Service Unit: 5,244
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 5,572
Gallup Service Unit: 9,086
Kayenta Service Unit: 5,168
Shiprock Service Unit: 10,038
Tuba City Service Unit: 5,938
Winslow Service Unit: 2,879
*22 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.
The total number of cases is now 54,417. This tally includes delayed reporting for four cases.
Today's update did not show any recent deaths from the virus. The death toll remains at 1,793.
There are 52,312 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 535,332 tests have been conducted.
3:12 p.m.: New Mexico revisited an unhappy milestone June 3, reporting more than 1,000 new cases of COVID-19 in a single day, according to figures released by the New Mexico Department of Health.
The state reported there were 1081 new cases and 22 more pandemic-related deaths reported that day. San Juan County, which has reported 41,403 cases and 769 pandemic-related deaths since March of 2020, reported on May 3 that there were 58 new cases of COVID-19 and no new deaths.
Statewide there have been 538,629 COVID-19 cases reported in New Mexico since March of 2020 and 7,825 pandemic-related deaths.
There were 128 people hospitalized due to COVID-19 infections on June 3, 18 of whom required ventilators.San Juan County averaged just over 19 cases per 100,000 people between May 17 and May 30, with a 14-day test positivity rate that climbed in recent weeks by about two points to 6.2%, meaning just over 6 of every 100 people tested for COVID-19 came back positive for the virus during those weeks.
Updates for Thursday, June 2
3:33 p.m.: State health officials reported 980 new cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico on June 2, and six more pandemic-related deaths. The day before the state had reported 569 new cases and six more deaths.
Hospitalization numbers also rose June 2, as the state reported there were 152 people under treatment in New Mexico hospitals due to COVID-19, 16 of whom required ventilators. The day before there were 130 COVID-19 patients under treatment, 18 of whom required ventilators.
San Juan County, which has seen 41,345 COVID-19 cases since March of 2020 and 769 pandemic-related deaths, reported no new cases or deaths Thursday.
San Juan County averaged just over 19 cases per 100,000 people between May 17 and May 30, with a 14-day test positivity rate that climbed in recent weeks by about two points to 6.2%, meaning just over 6 of every 100 people tested for COVID-19 came back positive for the virus during those weeks.
Statewide New Mexico health officials have recorded 537,552 cases of COVID-19 and 77,803 pandemic-related deaths since the pandemic reached the state in March of 2020.
There have been 508,573 recoveries across the state since the pandemic began.
Updates for Wednesday, June 1
4:38 p.m.: San Juan County added 30 new COVID-19 cases and no new deaths Wednesday, according to the state health department data released online.
As of Wednesday San Juan County had recorded 41,345 cases of COVID-19 and 769 pandemic-related deaths since March of 2020 when the pandemic reached New Mexico.
Across the state on Wednesday there were 569 new cases and six more deaths.
Statewide there have been 536,571cases of COVID-19 recorded in New Mexico since March of 2020 and 7,797 pandemic-related deaths.
There were 130 COVID-19 patients under treatment Wednesday in New Mexico hospitals, 18 of whom required ventilators.
San Juan County had averaged about 19 cases per day over the weekend.
There were 2,156 new cases of COVID-19 reported statewide over the four-day Memorial Day holiday weekend reporting period by the New Mexico Department of Health, and 13 more pandemic-related deaths.
That period began May 28 and ended May 31.
That sum equals 539 new cases per day statewide, according to figures released May 31 on the state health department website.
There were 129 patients under care in New Mexico hospitals on May 31 due to COVID-19 infections, 14 of whom required ventilators.
San Juan County averaged just over 19 cases per 100,000 people between May 17 and May 30, with a 14-day test positivity rate that climbed in recent weeks by about two points to 6.2%, meaning just over 6 of every 100 people tested for COVID-19 came back positive for the virus during those weeks.
There have been 41,315 cases of COVID-19 reported in San Juan County since March of 2020, and 769 pandemic-related deaths. The county reported 75 new cases and one pandemic-related death during the weekend counting period.
Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e
This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: San Juan County, Navajo Nation COVID-19 updates for June 2022
