See the latest COVID vaccine, case updates in San Juan County and Navajo Nation: July 2022
Welcome to the July 2022 edition of the Farmington Daily Times' daily COVID-19 news and stats blog.
Daily updates are below, short news items about the pandemic will appear on the top of this blog.
COVID-19 and other immunizations offered at Shiprock High Aug. 2
Shiprock High School will host a special Shiprock Service Unit COVID-19 Vaccination & Regular Immunization Community Event on Aug. 2 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for Shiprock Service Unit Indian Health Service beneficiaries only.
With school starting soon Northern Navajo Medical Center will feature COVID-19 vaccines for all ages and immunizations for children ages 6 months to 17 years old who are behind on their regular immunizations.
Children must be with a parent or legal guardian. Bring your COVID-19 vaccination card or printed immunization record if you are requesting a 2nd or booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Immunization records can be requested from Medical Records at NNMC or downloaded from your Personal Health Record online at https://phr.ihs.gov/
For more information, contact: Health Promotion at (505) 368-6300.
State health official says spike may happen later this summer
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — COVID-19 cases are on the decline in New Mexico, but state health officials said Thursday they're expecting an uptick later this summer as the wave hitting more populated areas around the U.S. spreads.
Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. David Scrase provided an update on the pandemic, noting that there have been reinfections as well as breakthrough cases among those who are vaccinated but that infections have been less severe with fewer hospitalizations and deaths.
Scrase said there have been no discussions about reimposing mask mandates since the situation is different than it was in 2020, when more people were dying and hospitals were overwhelmed. He said the virus has evolved, hospitalizations have plateaued in New Mexico, and treatments are readily available.
“We're relying on New Mexicans to use their own good judgment to protect themselves and their families,” he said.
Acknowledging the dynamic between freedom and public health, Scrase said he believed that New Mexico did a good job of managing the restrictions early in the pandemic but that state officials don't feel there's a need to reinforce those mandates right now.
Some state lawmakers, rural communities, small businesses, parents and others had criticized Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for her handling of the pandemic early on. Lujan Grisham, who is running for reelection, has repeatedly defended her choices.
With new omicron variants driving up hospital admissions and deaths elsewhere in recent weeks, some states and cities are rethinking their responses. For example, Los Angeles County at the end of the month could become the first major population center to reinstate rules requiring face coverings indoors if trends in hospital admissions continue.
Nationwide, the latest surge is driven by the BA.5 and BA.4 variants, which now account for more than 80% of cases. The variants have shown a remarkable ability to get around the protection offered by vaccination.
In New Mexico, officials said the two variants make up less than half of new cases, but they expect that percentage to grow over the next four weeks.
Where can you get a free COVID vaccine in Farmington and 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.
The next COVID-19 Vaccine Event happens Saturday, July 30, from 8 a.m. to noon at the San Juan County Public Health Office, 355 S. Miller Ave, in Farmington.
The Pfizer Vaccine will be offered for people age 6 months to adult.
Please visit vaccinenm.org or call 505-327-4461 to register for vaccinations.
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.
COVID-19 updates for Friday, July 29
2:45 p.m.: San Juan County saw a bit of statistical good news this week as the 14-day test positivity rate dropped from 26.6% between June 28 and July 11 to 24.8 between July 12 and July 25.
That means that 24.6% of people submitting COVID-19 tests had results that came back positive during that time period.
San Juan County on July 28 had 45,452 cases and 812 deaths reported since the pandemic began and 812 deaths. The July 29 numbers were not available at press time.
Across the state there were 1,049 new COVID-19 cases reported on Jan. 29 and 13 more pandemic-related deaths The day before there were 1,188 and nine more pandemic-related deaths across New Mexico.
Hospitalization numbers increased slightly. There were 209 people hospitalized on July 29 in New Mexico due to COVID-19 infections, nine of whom required ventilators.
On July 28 there were 196 people hospitalized, nine of whom required a ventilator.
Since the pandemic started in March of 2020 the New Mexico Department of Health has recorded 591,041 cases and 8,246 pandemic-related deaths.
COVID-19 updates for Friday, July 22
4:53 p.m.: There were 1,042 new cases of COVID-19 and 20 more pandemic-related deaths reported in New Mexico by state officials on July 22.
San Juan County has reported 45,027 cases since the pandemic began and 808 deaths. On July 22 it reported 68 more new cases and four more pandemic-related deaths.
There were 192 people under treatment in New Mexico hospitals due to COVID-19 on July 22, 12 of whom required ventilators.
The New Mexico Department of Health has recorded 584,404 cases since the pandemic began in March of 2020 and 8,191 pandemic-related deaths.
COVID-19 updates for Thursday, July 21
COVID-19 case numbers climbed again statewide July 21 as the state health department reported 1,305 new cases and 34 more pandemic-related deaths across the state.
The new case numbers were 128 cases higher than the previous day.
San Juan County, which has seen 44,959 COVID-19 cases since March of 2020 and 804 deaths, reported 101 new cases and three more deaths. There were 86 new cases reported the previous day.
Statewide there have been 583,366 cases recorded by the new Mexico Department of Health and 8,172 pandemic-related deaths.
There were 193 people hospitalized on July 21 due to COVID-19 infections, 11 of whom required ventilators.
6:57 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health and other agencies reported 166 new COVID-19 cases on the Navajo Nation on July 21 and no new pandemic-related deaths.
The total number of deaths remains at 1,845, the president’s office said in a news release..
“The overall total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 59,648, including 23 delayed reported cases,” according to the news release from the Office of the President and Vice President.
The Navajo Nation remains in “yellow status,” and Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez on July 21 reminded visitors that restriction in the health order that mandates that status apply to visitors as well.
“The Omicron BA.5. subvariant continues to spread and infect people across the country and here on the Navajo Nation,” Nez said in the release. “We must keep our guard up at all times, especially at our work places and in public areas. The mask mandate remains in place across the Navajo Nation and it applies to all visitors as well.”
Nez urged everyone who has not taken a vaccination to “get vaccinated, get a booster shot if you’re eligible to do so, and take precautions in public and if you travel.”
COVID-19 updates for Wednesday, July 20
9:47 p.m.: New COVID-19 case numbers took another jump across the state, with health officials reporting 1,177 new cases on July 20, 270 more than the day before. They also reported 22 more pandemic-related deaths.
San Juan County has recorded 801 deaths since the pandemic began, and 44,858 cases of COVID 19 since March of 2020. The county added 86 new cases on July 20 and state health officials also reported three more pandemic-related deaths in the county.
San Juan County has about 5.6% of New Mexico's population according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2020 Census data. With 801 deaths, as of July 20, the county has seen about 9.8% of all pandemic-related deaths recorded in the state.
Statewide the New Mexico Department of Health has recorded 582,061 cases in total across the state since the pandemic started, and 8,138 deaths.
There were 186 people hospitalized in New Mexico due to COVID-19 infections on July 20, 10 of whom required a ventilator.
6:47 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health and other agencies reported 180 new COVID-19 cases on the Navajo Nation, and one more pandemic-related death.
The pandemic has resulted in 1,845 deaths since it began in March of 2020, including two deaths where reporting had been delayed.
There have been 562,519 COVID-19 tests given since the start of the pandemic.
“The overall total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 59,459, including 50 delayed reported cases,” according to a news release from the Office of the President and Vice President. “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 release said that any positive tests “from beyond the last 72-hours are considered delayed.”
“Our strongest defense against COVID-19 are the vaccines, booster shots, and our face masks,” Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in the news release. “We still have a mask mandate in place here on the Navajo Nation. If you are in public settings, please be very cautious and encourage your loved ones to be safe as well.”
COVID-19 updates for Tuesday, July 19
2:09 p.m.: Health officials on July 19 reported 907 new COVID-19 cases and 37 more pandemic-related deaths in New Mexico..
San Juan County, has seen 44,772 cases since the pandemic began and 798 COVID-19-related deaths. New Mexico Department of Health figures indicate there were 54 new cases and three more pandemic-related deaths reported in the county on July 19.
There were 189 people hospitalized on July 19 due to COVID-19, 19 of whom required ventilators.
State health officials have recorded 580,887 cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico since March of 2020 and 8,116 pandemic-related deaths.
COVID-19 updates for Monday, July 18
9:38 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health and other agencies reported 328 new COVID-19 cases on the Navajo Nation July 18 and two deaths during a three-day counting period that ended July 18.
“The total number of deaths is now 1,840, including one delayed reported death,” a news release form the Office of the President and Vice President said. “560,139 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The overall total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 59,106, including 44 delayed reported cases.”
The news release said the Navajo Nation is still in “’yellow status,’ in accordance with Public Health Emergency Order No. 2022-004 available online at: https://www.ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19.”
The Navajo Department of Health issued a Health Advisory Notice for these 58 communities due to uncontrolled spread of COVID-19:
Aneth, Baca/Prewitt, Bird Springs, Black Mesa, Bread Springs, Burnham, Cameron, Chichiltah, Chinle, Churchrock, Cove, Coyote Canyon, Crownpoint, Fort Defiance, Ganado, Hard Rock, Hogback, Houck, Indian Wells, Iyanbito, Kaibeto, Kayenta, Leupp, Low Mountain, Lukachukai, Lupton, Many Farms, Mexican Springs, Nahodishgish, Naschitti, Navajo Mountain, Nazlini, Nenahnezad, Pinon, Ramah, Red Lake, Red Valley, Rock Point, Rock Springs, Rough Rock, Sanostee, Sheepsprings, Shiprock, Shonto, St. Michaels, Standing Rock, Tachee/Blue Gap, Teecnospos, Teesto, Thoreau, Tohatchi, Tonalea, Tsaile/Wheatfields, Tsayatoh, Tuba City, Twin Lakes, Upper Fruitland, Whippoorwill.The order was based on cases recorded between July 1 and July 14.
4 p.m.: A three-day counting period ending July 18 recorded 2,410 new cases of COVID-19 and 23 more pandemic-related deaths.
That equals out to just over 803 cases per day between July 16 and July 18.
San Juan County, which has seen 44,718 cases and 795 pandemic-related deaths since March of 2020, added 213 new cases over the weekend counting period and three more deaths. That new case total equals an average of 71 new cases per day.
Statewide the New Mexico Department of Health has recorded 579,993 COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began and 8,079 pandemic-related deaths.
There were 154 people hospitalized in New Mexico on July 19 due to COVID-19, 21 of whom required ventilators.
COVID-19 updates for Friday, July 15
2:06 p.m.: State health officials reported 1,723 new cases of COVID-19 July 15 and 21 more pandemic-related deaths.
San Juan County, which has seen 44,505 cases and 792 pandemic-related deaths since March of 2020, added 136 new cases of COVID-19 July 15 and two more deaths.
Statewide as of July 15 the New Mexico Department of Health has recorded 577,583 cases since the pandemic began and 8,056 pandemic-related deaths.
There were 181 people under treatment in hospitals across the state July 15 due to COVID-19 infections, 15 of whom required ventilators.
A state and local overview of last week’s up and down totals by reporter Mike Stucka will be available online Monday at www.daily-times.com and in Tuesday’s printed edition. That report will also include hospitalization totals and a national summary of case numbers, hospitalization trends and deaths.
COVID-19 updates for Thursday, July 14
6:40 p.m.: The Navajo Nation saw 101 new COVID-19 cases and no recent virus-related deaths in today's update from the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Epidemiology Center and Navajo Area Indian Health Service.
There were five cases that were not immediately known to the health 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."
There have been 58,637 cases since the pandemic started in March 2020.
The report also stated there was one death from the disease recently disclosed to the agencies. The death toll is now 1,836.
There have been 558,517 tests conducted.
5:03 p.m.: State health officials reported 593 new cases of COVID-19 on July 14 and 29 more deaths related to the pandemic.
San Juan County, which has reported 44,369 cases and 790 deaths since March of 2020, reported 49 new cases and two more pandemic-related deaths on July 14.
Statewide there have been 575,862 cases reported in New Mexico since the start of the pandemic and 8,035 pandemic-related deaths.
There were 173 people hospitalized in the state on July 14 due to COVID-19, 16 of whom required ventilators.
COVID-19 updates for Wednesday, July 13
8:38 p.m.: The Navajo Nation has 96 new COVID-19 cases and 15 virus-related deaths, the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Epidemiology Center and Navajo Area Indian Health Service reported today.
Included in the update were nine delayed reported deaths.
"Recent deaths are any deaths reported within the past 60 days," the update states.
The number of people who have died since the pandemic started is 1,835 while the number of cases is 58,531.
This tally includes delayed reporting for 38 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 update states.
A total of 558,111 tests have been conducted.
5:18 p.m.: There were 1,170 new cases of COVID-19 reported July 13 and 16 more pandemic-related deaths.
The previous day, July 12, 795 new cases and 18 deaths were reported.
The number of new cases on July 12 seemed to represent a drop in case numbers statewide as the three-day count ending July 11 had shown an average of 827 new cases per day. July 13's numbers, however, were 375 cases higher than the previous day’s count.
San Juan County has reported 44,320 cases since March of 2020, adding 75 cases on July 13 and 62 cases July 12. The county also reported two new COVID-19-related deaths July 13 and one on July 12, bringing the death toll in that county to 788 since the start of the pandemic.
San Juan County’s 14-day average test positivity rate between June 28 and July 11 rose a few points to 26.6%. That means that just over 26% of people submitting COVID-19 tests had results that came back positive during that time period, a just over 5% rise.There were just over 66 cases per 100,000 San Jan County residents according to a July 13 update on the New Mexico Department of Health website.
The two-week COVID-19 test positivity rate had risen just over 6 points in San Juan County between June 14 and June 27, when it reached 21.2%.
Statewide the New Mexico Department of Health has reported 575,279 cases since March of 2020 and the state reached a new milestone July 13 at 8,006 pandemic-related deaths. Hospitalization numbers increased slightly July 13 after two days of lower numbers. There were 176 people under treatment July 13, 22 of those patients on ventilators. There were 155 people in New Mexico hospitals on July 12 due to COVID-19 infections, the same number as the day before, 18 of whom required ventilators
COVID-19 updates for Tuesday, July 12
The weekend reporting period ending on July 11 yielded 2,483 new COVID-19 infections across New Mexico and nine more pandemic-related deaths.
That sum breaks down to an average of just over 827 new cases per day between July 9 and July 11.
San Juan County, which has seen 44,183 cases of COVID-19 reported since March of 2020, added 198 new cases during the weekend count, an average of 66 per day. There were no new pandemic-related deaths reported, leaving the county’s toll at 785 since the start of the pandemic.
Statewide there have been 573,339 cases reported in New Mexico and 7,972 deaths.
There were 155 people hospitalized in New Mexico on July 11 due to COVID-19, representing a significant decline in hospitalizations compared to last week.
7:30 p.m.: Health officials for the Navajo Nation are reporting 85 new cases of COVID-19 today. They reported 227 new cases on Monday. Those cases were confirmed between July 9 and July 11.
The number of cases is now 58,397. This tally includes delayed reporting for 107 cases today and 24 cases yesterday.
There were no recent deaths in either report, so the death toll remains at 1,811.
The number of tests done since the pandemic started more than two years ago is 557,749.
Sixty communities on the tribal land are under a health advisory notice because of high community transmission of COVID-19.
The Navajo Department of Health categorized these communities based on cases from June 24 to July 7.
Communities in New Mexico under advisory are Baca-Prewitt, Breadsprings, Chichiltah, Church Rock, Coyote Canyon, Crownpoint, Hogback, Iyanbito, Mariano Lake, Mexican Springs, Naschitti, Nenahnezad, Pinedale, Pueblo Pintado, Ramah, Red Lake, Rock Springs, Sanostee, Sheep Springs, Shiprock, Thoreau, Tohatchi, Tsayatoh, Twin Lakes and Upper Fruitland.
Those in either Arizona or Utah are Aneth, Birdsprings, Black Mesa, Cameron, Chilchinbeto, Chinle, Cove, Fort Defiance, Ganado, Hard Rock, Houck, Indian Wells, Inscription House, Kaibeto, Kayenta, Leupp, Lukachukai, Lupton, Many Farms, Nazlini, Piñon, Red Valley, Rock Point, Rough Rock, Round Rock, Sawmill, Shonto, St. Michaels, Tachee-Blue Gap, Teec Nos Pos, Teesto, Tonalea, Tsaile-Wheatfields, Tselani-Cottonwood and Tuba City.
"The Navajo Nation continues to experience high community transmission of COVID-19 and our health care professionals recommend all individuals to wear a well-fitting mask indoors and at any large gatherings," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in today's update. "We also encourage everyone to stay up-to-date on all COVID-19 vaccines and boosters."
COVID-19 updates for Friday, July 8
9:36 p.m.: COVID-19 case counts released in the days following the July 4 holiday were impacted by reporting issues that led to some smaller counts and some larger, a state health department spokesperson said Friday.
Health officials prepared a cumulative case count for the weekend, but “over the weekend the Epidemiology team discovered lab result reporting was decreased more than expected and some of the servers were not functioning,” said Internal Communications Coordinator Lealia Nelson of the New Mexico Department of Health.
Holiday weekends have affected case counts before, according to the Daily Times archive. The state’s epidemiology crew continued their count despite the challenges.
“Staff has been catching up over the last couple of days, so the numbers may appear artificially inflated as a result,” she said.
Numbers reported since July 5 have fluctuated. Health officials on July 7 reported 1,189 new cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico and three more pandemic-related deaths. The previous day saw 621 new cases and seven deaths.
On Friday, July 8, there were 1,252 cases and three deaths reported, according to the department’s daily epidemiology report.
There were 168 people under treatment for cases of COVID-19 in hospitals across the state on Friday, 15 of whom required a ventilator.
San Juan County, which has seen 43,985 cases and 785 pandemic-related deaths since March of 2020, added 109 cases Friday and no new deaths, according to the state health department’s website.
Statewide there have been 570,866 cases recorded by the state and 7,963 pandemic-related deaths, the website stated.
7:16 p.m.: There are 97 new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation, according to today's update by the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Epidemiology Center and Navajo Area Indian Health Service.
They reported that six cases were not immediately known to them.
"A new case is defined as a positive test within the last 72 hours," they explained in the update. "Some cases are due to delayed reporting from the states. Any positive tests from beyond the last 72 hours are considered delayed."
The latest figures raise the total number of cases to 57,954.
The update did not have any recent deaths related to the virus. This keeps the death toll at 1,811.
Health officials also reported that 556,328 tests have been conducted since the pandemic started.
COVID-19 updates for Thursday, July 7
10:10 p.m.: Health officials for the Navajo Nation have reported today 177 new cases of COVID-19 and no recent deaths related to the virus.
The total number of cases is now 57,851 while the death toll remains at 1,811, according to the update by the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Epidemiology Center and Navajo Area Indian Health Service.
Today's case tally includes delayed reporting for 55 cases.
"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."
A total of 555,721 tests have been conducted since the pandemic started more than two years ago.
9:59 p.m.: State health officials reported 1,189 new cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico and three more pandemic-related deaths. The previous day saw 621 new cases and seven deaths.
San Juan County, which has seen 43,876 cases since March of 2020 and 785 pandemic-related deaths, reported 132 new cases on July 7, a jump of 39 cases compared to the previous day. There was also one more death attributed to the county on July 7.
Across New Mexico 569,619 COVID-19 cases have been reported since the start of the pandemic and 7,960 deaths, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.
There were 174 people hospitalized on July 7 due to COVID-19 infections, 17 of whom required ventilators.
3:25 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, is reporting 122 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed from July 2 through July 6.
The information was released this morning through the tribe's Office of the President and Vice President.
Since the pandemic started, there have been 57,619 cases. This number includes delayed reporting for 178 cases.
A total of 555,312 tests have been conducted since March 2020.
No recent virus-related deaths were in the report. The death toll remains at 1,811.
The Navajo Department of Health placed 65 communities on the tribal land under a health advisory notice for high transmission of COVID-19. The placement is based on cases from June 17 to June 30.
Communities in New Mexico
Baca-Prewitt, Beclabito, Breadsprings, Chichiltah, Church Rock, Coyote Canyon, Crownpoint, Crystal, Iyanbito, Lake Valley, Manuelito, Mariano Lake, Mexican Springs, Naschitti, Pinedale, Pueblo Pintado, Ramah, Red Lake, Rock Springs, San Juan, Sheep Springs, Shiprock, Smith Lake, Thoreau, Tohatchi, Tsayatoh, Twin Lakes and Upper Fruitland.
Communities in Arizona or Utah
Aneth, Birdsprings, Black Mesa, Cameron, Chilchinbeto, Chinle, Dennehotso, Dilkon, Forest Lake, Fort Defiance, Ganado, Houck, Indian Wells, Jeddito, Kaibeto, Kayenta, Leupp, Lukachukai, Lupton, Many Farms, Nazlini, Oak Springs, Piñon, Red Valley, Rock Point, Rough Rock, Round Rock, Sawmill, Shonto, St. Michaels, Tachee-Blue Gap, Teec Nos Pos, Teesto, Tonalea, Tsaile-Wheatfields, Tselani-Cottonwood and Tuba City.
"We've overcome a lot of adversity and challenges caused by COVID-19 and we continue to persevere and move forward," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in a statement. "Just as we are taught as Navajo people to follow the teachings of our elders, we must continue to listen to the public health experts who have guided us this far."
He continued, "we need to continue to encourage our loved ones to get vaccinated and get a booster show if they haven't already. Vaccines and masks are critical to reducing the spread and severity of COVID-19 in our communities. Please continue to be safe and pray for our frontline warriors and all of our people."
COVID-19 updates for Wednesday, July 6
4 p.m.: New Mexico health officials reported 621 new cases of COVID-19 on July 6 and seven more pandemic-related deaths.
San Juan County, which has seen 43,744 cases and 784 pandemic-related deaths since the pandemic began, added 93 new cases on July 6 and reported no new pandemic-related deaths.
Hospitalization numbers rose slightly Wednesday compared to the day before. There were 185 people under treatment for COVID-19 on July 6, 15 of those patients requiring a ventilator.
Statewide there have been 568,434 cases recorded since March 2020 by the New Mexico Department of Health and 7,957 pandemic-related deaths.
COVID-19 updates for Tuesday, July 5
State health officials reported 3,132 new cases of COVID-19 over the Fourth of July holiday weekend reporting period, and four more pandemic-related deaths.
The count began July 2 and ended July 5. The number averages out to 783 cases per day during that period.
San Juan County has seen 43,651 cases since March of 2020 and added one death over the holiday weekend for a total of 784.
Statewide New Mexico has counted 567,816 cases and recorded 7,950 pandemic-related deaths since March of 2020.
There were 174 people being treated in New Mexico hospitals on July 5 due to COVID-19 infections, 19 of whom required a ventilator.
Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e
This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: COVID updates for San Juan County and the Navajo Nation: July 2022
