Navajo Nation reports 36 more COVID-19 cases, no new deaths

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. (AP) — The Navajo Nation on Tuesday reported 36 more COVID-19 cases, but no additional deaths. The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s totals to 33,548 confirmed COVID-19 cases from the virus since the pandemic began more than a year ago. The known death toll remains at 1,431. Navajo officials are urging people to get vaccinated, wear masks while in public and minimize their travel. Based on cases from Sept. 3-16, the Navajo Department of Health issued an advisory for 36 communities due to uncontrolled spread of COVID-19. Officials say all Navajo Nation executive branch employees will need to be fully vaccinated against the virus by the end of this month or submit to regular testing. The tribe’s vast reservation covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.