As we end the year, the COVID crisis continues to severely impact the Navajo Nation. We continue to plan for resuming our project in the spring and summer and will continue to provide updates as we go through the first months of 2021.
The Navajo Nation Continues to Fight COVID-19
On Tuesday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 118 new COVID19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and 15 more deaths. The total number of deaths is now 837 as of Tuesday. Reports indicate that 12,545 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 208,956 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 23,978, including 19 delayed reported cases.
The Navajo Department of Health and Navajo Area Indian Health Service have begun the second phase of vaccinations on the Navajo Nation known as Phase 1B, which includes high-risk individuals, those who are 65 years and older, adults in congregate settings, spiritual leaders, frontline essential workers, first responders, essential infrastructure workers, and essential businesses. The first phase included vaccines for health care workers, residents, and employees of long-term assisted care facilities, under the guidance of the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
The Navajo Department of Health has extended the stay-at-home lockdown that requires everyone to remain home except for essential workers who have to report to work, for cases of emergencies, to pick up medication, to get food and water, and other essential activities.
Indian Health Service hospitals in Gallup and Chinle, Arizona, have limited space because of the latest COVID patient surge. The reservation’s intensive care units are nearing 85% capacity.
The IHS facilities have the option to send critical patients to VA hospitals in Albuquerque, Phoenix, and Tucson.
The Navajo Nation now has an additional year to spend federal CARES Act money on water projects, electricity and internet connections, and COVID-19 relief efforts.
Congress extended the spending deadline to the end of 2021.
For more information or to inquire about how you can help, contact Project Coordinator PP John Allman.
Please visit our project website www.navajosolarlight.org, share it with friends, family, acquaintances, and even strangers. And, of course, think about donating to our cause. Every $300 brings light to another home and family.