Press Releases for January 2021

Jan 31 103 new cases, 14,454 recoveries, and four more deaths related to COVID-19 as health care experts urge public to continue taking all precautions

Jan 21 Navajo Nation’s stay-at-home order extended, daily curfew implemented,and weekend lockdowns lifted to allow more vaccination events on weekends

Jan 21 166 new cases, 13,762 recoveries, and seven more deaths related to COVID-19

Jan 20 94 new cases, 13,748 recoveries, and 11 more deaths related to COVID-19

Jan 20 Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer congratulate U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris

Jan 20 Navajo Nation Council congratulates President Biden and Vice President Harris on inauguration

Jan 19 Navajo Nation Council funds scholarships, encourages students to study hard as schools begin

Jan 19 Resources and Development Committee hears report on Navajo Nation burial policies and challenges

Jan 19 Navajo Nation Council approves Covid-19 chapter heavy equipment purchases and funding for emergency water projects

Jan 19 45 new cases, 13,566 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19

Jan 19 Navajo Department of Health identifies 75 communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 in latest update

Jan 19 Nez-Lizer encourage safe and careful use of CARES Act Hardship Assistance funds as Controller’s Office begins to issue checks

Jan 18 Controller’s Office clarifies Special Duty Pay, who was eligible

Jan 18 Navajo CARES Act Hardship Assistance Program checks being printed, mailed

Jan 18 65 new cases, 13,532 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19

Jan 17 Nez-Lizer express concerns with Naat’áani Development Corporation’s actions to gain approval to oversee Medicaid funds

Jan 16 189 new cases, 13,531 recoveries, and seven more deaths related to COVID-19

Jan 15 121 new cases, 13,510 recoveries, and 16 more deaths related to COVID-19 as 57-hour weekend lockdown takes effect

Jan 14 202 new cases, 13,116 recoveries, and 13 more deaths related to COVID-19

Jan 13 169 new cases, 13,092 recoveries, and five more deaths related to COVID-19

Jan 12 193 new cases, 13,065 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19 as health care providers continue vaccine rollout for elderly

Jan 12 Health, Education, and Human Services Committee to hold virtual public hearing for Miss Navajo Nation plan of operation update

Jan 12 Office of the Speaker addresses bonus pay claim in December 2020 Navajo Times article

Jan 12 Continuation of uranium and Radiation Exposure Compensation Act advocacy sought by Navajo Nation Council after line item vetoes

Jan 11 Controller shares Hardship Assistance payments set to begin Jan. 18 in Budget and Finance Committee report

Jan 11 Military care packages making their way to deployed Navajo US Armed Forces members

Jan 11 154 new cases, 12,855 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19 as health officials step up vaccine rollout for individuals 65 years and older

Jan 11 Navajo Nation Indian Managed Care Entity discussions await OPVP and NM Governor involvement

Jan 10 233 new cases, 12,817 recoveries, and two more deaths related to COVID-19 as holiday spikes continue to be reported

Jan 9 175 new cases, 12,690 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19 as 57-hour weekend lockdown continues

Jan 8 237 new cases, 12,680 recoveries, and 22 more deaths related to COVID-19 as the 57-hour weekend lockdown takes effect

Jan 8 President Nez joins Deborah Ann Begay as she becomes the first Native American to serve as Justice of the Peace for Moon Valley

Jan 7 257 new cases, 12,625 recoveries, and six more deaths related to COVID-19 as stay-at-home order and weekend lockdowns extended through January 25th

Jan 7 Navajo CARES Act Hardship Assistance Program currently 90% funded, federal extension has not modified expenditure strategy

Jan 6 222 new cases, 12,597 recoveries, and one more death related to COVID-19

Jan 6 Statement from Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer

Jan 6 President Nez and Vice President Lizer approve $2.5 million to offset federal scholarship funding shortfall

Jan 5 118 new cases, 12,545 recoveries, and 15 more deaths related to COVID-19 as vaccination enters next phase for high-risk, elders, and more

Jan 4 Valinda Shirley appointed to serve as the new Executive Director for the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency

Jan 4 110 new cases, 12,211 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19

Jan 4 Navajo Department of Health identifies 73 communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19

Jan 3 146 new cases, 12,191 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19

Jan 2 152 new cases, 12,170 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19

Jan 2 NTUA far exceeds expectations with 713 homes now connected to the electric grid with CARES Act funds

Jan 1 266 new cases, 11,741 recoveries, and 7 more deaths related to COVID-19 as 57-hour weekend lockdown begins

Press Releases for February 2021

Feb 28 14 new cases, 16,097 recoveries, and two more deaths related to COVID-19

Feb 27 7 new cases, 16,066 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19

Feb 27 Nez-Lizer commend the FCC’s approval of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program to provide low-income families with subsidies for internet service

Feb 26 23 new cases, 16,057 recoveries, and four more deaths related to COVID-19

Feb 26 President Nez advocates for infrastructure projects, COVID-19 vaccines, and road improvements in tribal leaders meeting with Utah Governor

Feb 26 Funding approved for summer youth employment to assist Navajo students and to assist enterprises with the impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic

Feb 25 Delegates testify in support of HB 251 requiring NM Human Services follow sovereign Tribal will in IMCE contracts

Feb 25 Health, Education, and Human Services hears recommendations of former Miss Navajo Nation titleholders for plan of operation update

Feb 25 45 new cases, 16,054 recoveries, and nine more deaths related to COVID-19

Feb 24 25 new cases, 16,021 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19

Feb 24 Navajo Nation leaders and NTUA highlight CARES Act infrastructure accomplishments with U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján

Feb 23 20 new cases, 16,009 recoveries, and sevens more deaths related to COVID-19 as Navajo Area IHS reports that 116,611 vaccine doses have been administered

Feb 22 15 new cases, 15,999 recoveries, and one more death related to COVID-19

Feb 22 Navajo leaders recognize appointment of Cordalis, Newland and others to Interior Department leadership team

Feb 22 Navajo Department of Health identifies 21 communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 in latest Health Advisory Notice

Feb 22 First Lady Nez and Second Lady Lizer proclaim “Pet Spay and Neuter Awareness Month”

Feb 22 Tom Platero appointed to serve as the Division Director for the Navajo Nation Division of General Services

Feb 21 27 new cases, 15,989 recoveries, and two more deaths related to COVID-19

Feb 20 48 new cases, 15,989 recoveries, and four more deaths related to COVID-19

Feb 19 48 new cases, 15,947 recoveries, and 11 more deaths related to COVID-19

Feb 19 Nez-Lizer recognize Navajo NASA engineer Aaron Yazzie’s vital role in Mars 2020 Perseverance rover landing

Feb 18 43 new cases, 15,917 recoveries, and 13 more deaths related to COVID-19 as Navajo Nation surpasses goal of administering 100,000 vaccine doses

Feb 18 Navajo Nation Council confirms Valinda Cook Shirley as new Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency executive director

Feb 18 NTUA constructs new wireless tower for improved cell phone and internet access for residents, students, and first responders in Beclabito

Feb 18 Navajo Nation surpasses goal of administering at least 100,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of February

Feb 18 More than 172,520 Navajo CARES Act Hardship Assistance Program checks cashed, Support Center switches to call-back option

Feb 17 27 new cases, 15,917 recoveries, and two more deaths related to COVID-19 as Navajo Department of Health extends stay-at-home order and daily curfew

Feb 17 Navajo Nation Council approves $4 million for 2021 summer youth employment programs

Feb 16 Navajo Nation moves a step closer to extending voting rights settlement with additional requirements with San Juan County, Utah

Feb 16 Reopening of Grand Canyon National Park, tribal parks, and local business reports heard by Resources and Development Committee

Feb 16 Public Safety shares $1.5 million of E-911 grant expended, pilot projects proceed in Budget and Finance Committee report

Feb 16 24 new cases, 15,892 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19

Feb 16 Navajo Department of Health identifies 25 communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 in latest Health Advisory Notice

Feb 16 Navajo Nation receives Pasture, Rangeland, Forage insurance program payment from CKP Insurance

Feb 15 13 new cases, 15,826 recoveries, and one more death related to COVID-19

Feb 14 55 new cases, 15,763 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19

Feb 14 Navajo Nation will strengthen federal advocacy with investment in land and property near Capitol Hill

Feb 13 35 new cases, 15,754 recoveries, and five more deaths related to COVID-19

Feb 12 U.S. EPA announces $220 million contract awards for the clean-up of more than 50 abandoned uranium mine sites on the Navajo Nation

Feb 12 66 new cases, 15,738 recoveries, and six more deaths related to COVID-19

Feb 12 Valinda C. Shirley confirmed as the Executive Director for the Navajo Nation Environmental Protection Agency

Feb 11 President Nez approves $1.3 million for COVID-19 mitigation efforts for Chinle nursing home

Feb 11 53 new cases, 15,696 recoveries, and 11 more deaths related to COVID-19

Feb 11 Navajo Nation awarded $53 million through E-Rate Program to increase internet capacity for chapter houses and Head Start facilities

Feb 10 38 new cases, 15,639 recoveries, and 11 more deaths related to COVID-19 as additional federal personnel begin to arrive to support vaccination efforts

Feb 10 New NTUA fiber line will increase internet capacity for Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation, local schools, and businesses

Feb 9 Nez-Lizer Administration congratulates newly-appointed Arizona House of Representatives member Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren

Feb 9 Navajo Nation Council congratulates newly-appointed AZ Legislative District 7 Representative Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren

Feb 9 54 new cases, 15,635 recoveries, and 15 more deaths related to COVID-19 as Navajo Area IHS reports that 98% of current vaccines have been administered

Feb 9 More than 200,000 checks for Navajo CARES Act Hardship Assistance Program mailed, text messages continue to be sent to applicants

Feb 8 40 new cases, 15,264 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19

Feb 8 Navajo Department of Health identifies 44 communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 in latest Health Advisory Notice

Feb 8 Navajo Nation has administered 94% of current COVID-19 vaccine doses, additional vaccines and personnel to arrive this week to help administer more

Feb 7 23 new cases, 15,234 recoveries, and one more death related to COVID-19

Feb 6 71 new cases, 15,067 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19 as public health experts caution against large Super Bowl gatherings

Feb 5 114 new cases, 15,067 recoveries, and six more deaths related to COVID-19

Feb 5 Navajo Nation Water Rights Commission Honoring the Life and Legacy of Former President and Commission Chair, Albert Hale

Feb 4 Memorial event to be held in honor of former Navajo Nation President Albert Hale

Feb 4 110 new cases, 14,892 recoveries, and nine more deaths related to COVID-19

Feb 4 Navajo Nation Council recognizes retirees, new officials, organizations and othersduring 2021 Winter Session

Feb 3 70 new cases, 14,714 recoveries, and six more deaths related to COVID-19

Feb 3 Navajo Nation Council approves acquisition of 11 D Street, S.E. in Washington

Feb 2 President Biden signs Major Disaster Declaration for the Navajo Nation to assist with COVID-19 response efforts

Feb 2 82 new cases, 14,709 recoveries, and 12 more deaths related to COVID-19, public health experts caution public about traveling and in-person gatherings

Feb 2 President Nez and Vice President Lizer offer condolences and prayers for the family of former Navajo Nation President Albert Hale

Feb 2 Navajo Nation Council mourns former Navajo Nation President Albert Hale

Feb 2 Construction of N11 road improvements in the community of Mariano Lake scheduled to begin in spring

Feb 1 61 new cases, 14,484 recoveries, and two more deaths related to COVID-19 as President Nez urges Navajo Nation residents to continue taking precautions

Feb 1 Nez-Lizer congratulate Arlando Teller and Wahleah Johns for their recent appointments to serve under the Biden-Harris Administration

Feb 1 President Nez requests more COVID-19 vaccines and additional resources in meeting with Biden-Harris officials and federal agencies

Feb 1 President Nez urges public to take all precautions as Navajo Department of Health identifies 56 communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19

Press Releases for March 2021

Mar 31 15 new cases, 16,398 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19

Mar 31 President Nez and Vice President Lizer approve resolution to fund the Navajo Veterans Administration for the remainder of FY 2021 to help veterans

Mar 31 Tóhajiilee gas station and convenience store economic development project progress report shared with delegates

Mar 31 President Nez discusses the American Rescue Plan Act and other priorities with Congressman O’Halleran

Mar 31 Delegates receive Indian Wells economic development project updates from Division of Economic Development

Mar 31 Navajo Technical University reports dormitory construction project awaits Navajo Housing Authority review of flood plain study

Mar 31 Representative O’Halleran, Navajo Nation EPA and Delegate Kee Allen Begay Jr. discuss uranium and Claim 28 issues

Mar 30 12 new cases, 16,396 recoveries, and one recent death related to COVID-19

Mar 30 First case of COVID-19 U.K. variant confirmed on the Navajo Nation

Mar 29 5 new cases, 16,359 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19

Mar 29 Three branch chiefs hold initial discussion on the American Rescue Plan Act

Mar 29 State of Arizona officially recognizes National Navajo Code Talkers Day

Mar 29 Navajo Nation moves a step closer to providing electricity to Navajo families residing in the Westwater Subdivision with $500,000 appropriation from Utah

Mar 28 7 new cases, 16,348 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19

Mar 27 12 new cases, 16,342 recoveries, and one more death related to COVID-19, new public health emergency order issued

Mar 27 Vice President Lizer commends NTEC’s Community Heating Resource Program that provides free coal to Navajo families

Mar 26 Statement from Speaker Damon on Supplemental Appropriations and American Rescue Plan

Mar 26 Tom Platero confirmed as the Division Director for the Navajo Nation Division of General Services

Mar 26 9 new cases and 2 more deaths related to COVID-19 as latest report shows over 210,000 vaccine doses administered, and nearly 89,000 fully vaccinated

Mar 26 Navajo Nation Council holds moment of silence for US Army veteran and local leader Allen Todacheenie

Mar 25 9 new cases, 16,336 recoveries, and eight more deaths related to COVID-19

Mar 25 Navajo Nation approves request to New Mexico for State Highway 371 road repavement and improvement

Mar 25 Resources and Development Committee confirms Bidtah N. Becker to the Navajo Nation Water Rights Commission

Mar 25 Navajo Nation to receive nearly $50 million in HUD funding for affordable housing under the American Rescue Plan

Mar 24 Veterans Administration continuing budget considered by HEHSC as delegates press for a comprehensive budget proposal

Mar 24 Law and Order Committee receives missing and murdered cases report from Division of Public Safety

Mar 24 10 new cases and two more deaths related to COVID-19 as Navajo Area IHS reports 196,902 vaccine doses have been administered so far

Mar 24 Navajo Nation Council recognizes Mr. Paul Dokey of the Tsi’ Yi’ Tóhí Singers at 92

Mar 24 Division of General Services gives Admin Building 1 and current Navajo Nation government facilities planning efforts updates

Mar 24 Law and Order Committee grants final approval for Window Rock Judicial District temporary facility project funding

Mar 24 President Nez provides testimony to Congress in support of the extension and expansion of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act

Mar 24 Veterans housing policies updates under consideration by the Health, Education, and Human Services Committee

Mar 24 MMDR/NNMPU to unveil Missing Persons Community Action Toolkit to assist Navajo communities in recovering missing relatives

Mar 23 3 new cases and no recent deaths related to COVID-19 as leaders and health officials urge all residents to continue taking all precautions

Mar 23 Navajo Nation anticipates $14.9 million in Capital Outlay Funds from the State of New Mexico

Mar 22 $24 million in new heavy equipment begins to arrive at chapters

Mar 22 0 new cases and no recent deaths related to COVID-19 as Navajo Area IHS reports over 191,000 vaccine doses administered

Mar 22 Public comments sought for legislation regarding reopening of schools on the Navajo Nation

Mar 21 9 new cases, 16,326 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19

Mar 20 5 new cases, 16,326 recoveries, and four more deaths related to COVID-19

Mar 19 Nez-Lizer commend the passage of Impact Aid bill by the New Mexico State Legislature

Mar 19 5 new cases, 16,290 recoveries, and one more death related to COVID-19

Mar 18 18 new cases, 16,289 recoveries, and six more deaths related to COVID-19 as President Nez continues to urge residents to take all precautions and limit travel

Mar 17 10 new cases, 16,288 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19

Mar 17 Navajo Nation marks one year since first confirmed case of COVID-19, Day of Prayer virtual event to be held on Friday

Mar 16 2 new cases, 16,286 recoveries, and one more death related to COVID-19 as President Nez urges Navajo Nation residents to keep taking precautions

Mar 15 6 new cases, 16,276 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19 as Navajo Area IHS reports over 176,000 vaccine doses administered so far

Mar 15 Deb Haaland becomes the first Native American confirmed to lead the U.S. Department of the Interior

Mar 15 Navajo Nation Council applauds the confirmation of Debra Haaland to Interior Secretary

Mar 14 3 new cases, 16,231 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19 as officials continue to urge Navajo Nation residents to keep their guard up

Mar 13 15 new cases, 16,223 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19

Mar 12 19 new cases, 16,223 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19

Mar 11 8 new cases, 16,212 recoveries, and seven more deaths related to COVID-19

Mar 10 Navajo Nation to implement “soft reopening” under revised guidelines as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations decline and vaccinations increase

Mar 10 13 new cases, 16,212 recoveries, and one more death related to COVID-19 as Navajo Nation continues downward trend in new infections and hospitalizations

Mar 10 Congress approves the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan to provide COVID-19 relief, stimulus checks, unemployment benefits

Mar 10 Navajo Nation Council recognizes American Rescue Plan passage

Mar 09 Nez-Lizer Administration recommends funding formula for COVID-19 relief funds in the American Rescue Plan

Mar 09 12 new cases, 16,202 recoveries, and one more death related to COVID-19 as Navajo Nation sees consistent downward trend in infections and hospitalizations

Mar 09 Navajo Department of Health identifies 8 communities with uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 as data shows consistent downward trend in new cases

Mar 09 More than $293 million paid to Navajo Nation members from Navajo CARES Act Hardship Assistance Program

Mar 09 Office of the Controller lacking $1.8 million for fourth quarter operations, at risk of employee layoffs

Mar 09 Navajo Nation opposes Arizona bill that opens door to segregating Navajo and Hopi people and drastically reducing funds for direct services

Mar 08 6 new cases, 16,184 recoveries, and two more deaths related to COVID-19

Mar 08 Delegates commend completion of N27 road construction between Nazlini and Chinle

Mar 07 7 new cases, 16,159 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19

Mar 07 Flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of late former Navajo Nation Supreme Court Associate Justice Lorene B. Ferguson

Mar 06 16 new cases, 16,153 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19

Mar 05 12 new cases, 16,140 recoveries, and one more death related to COVID-19

Mar 04 19 new cases, 16,131 recoveries, and seven more deaths related to COVID-19 as Navajo Area IHS reports that 141,568 vaccine doses have been administered

Mar 04 President Nez signs off on land lease to develop housing units for Dilkon Medical Center employees

Mar 03 20 new cases, 16,124 recoveries, and three more deaths related to COVID-19 as public health officials urge residents to continue taking all precautions

Mar 02 16 new cases, 16,115 recoveries, and 14 more deaths related to COVID-19 as Navajo Area IHS reports that 135,161 vaccine doses have been administered

Mar 02 Navajo Nation Council mourns passing of Hon. Lorene B. Ferguson, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice

Mar 01 President Nez and Vice President Lizer offer condolences to the family of former Navajo Nation Supreme Court Associate Justice Lorene B. Ferguson

Mar 01 RETIRED NAVAJO NATION JUSTICE LORENE B. FERGUSON PASSES

Mar 01 12 new cases, 16,109 recoveries, and no recent deaths related to COVID-19 as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports rise in new infections