COVID-19: Case updates for San Juan County and Navajo Nation

Farmington Daily Times

COVID-19 cases continued to trend down in March and news came on March 1 that New Mexico would be receiving 17,200 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The state will continue offering Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines.

People can register for the vaccine at cvvaccine.nmhealth.org.

On the Navajo Nation, more than 120,000 doses have been administered as of March 1. The Navajo Department of Health has a COVID-19 vaccine registry. The registration form is online at ndoh.navajo-nsn.gov/COVID-19/COVID-19-Vaccine.

Meanwhile, both governments are continuing to ask people to get tested and wear masks.

Case numbers for February can be found here.

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: 928-871-7014
State coronavirus website: cv.nmhealth.org

The Pfizer-BioNTech is one of three vaccines available.

Updates for Wednesday, March 31

6:20 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reported 15 new COVID-19 and no recent deaths for the tribe.

The total number of cases is 30,095 and includes one case where delayed reporting occurred. There have been 1,247 deaths related to the virus.

Health agencies have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,523
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,873
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,589
Gallup Service Unit: 4,756
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,661
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,048
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,656
Winslow Service Unit: 1,971

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

There are 16,398 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 254,374 tests have been conducted.

4:46 p.m.: New Mexico health officials on Wednesday announced 277 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the statewide case count to 191,652.

The statewide death toll among New Mexico residents since the pandemic began is now 3,937.

San Juan County has reported a total of 13,745 cases and 462 deaths as of Wednesday.

The department of health reported five new deaths in the state due to COVID-19. They include:

A man in his 40s from San Juan County who had underlying conditions.
A man in his 50s from San Juan County who had underlying conditions.

There were 99 people hospitalized in New Mexico due to COVID-19 on Wednesday. There were 173,701 people who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 who have recovered.

The state health department listed the most recent cases by county:

125 new cases in Bernalillo County
8 new cases in Chaves County
2 new cases in Curry County
1 new case in De Baca County
23 new cases in Doña Ana County
4 new cases in Eddy County
5 new cases in Grant County
9 new cases in Lea County
4 new cases in Lincoln County
2 new cases in Los Alamos County
3 new cases in Luna County
6 new cases in Otero County
1 new case in Quay County
1 new case in Rio Arriba County
2 new cases in Roosevelt County
41 new cases in Sandoval County
12 new cases in San Juan County
1 new case in San Miguel County
16 new cases in Santa Fe County
2 new cases in Taos County
2 new cases in Torrance County
1 new case in Union County
6 new cases in Valencia County

The state reports these COVID-19 cases among people held by federal agencies at:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 447
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 198
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

The department of health reports these cases among people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department at:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 292
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 759
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 217
Roswell Correctional Center: 230
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 230
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

Updates for Tuesday, March 30

6 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reported 12 new cases of COVID-19 for the Navajo Nation.

One recent death was listed in the report today, raising the death toll to 1,247. The total number of cases is 30,097 and includes three cases where delayed reporting occurred.

The update was released hours after tribal officials announced the first case of the variant first detected in the U.K. was found in a test sample obtained in the western portion of the reservation.

"The confirmation of the U.K. variant on the Navajo Nation should not cause a panic, but it should motivate us to do better. If we choose to take all precautions, wear a mask in public, limit travel, avoid large in-person gatherings and receive the COVID-19 vaccine, then the chances of contracting COVID-19 are much lower than if you choose otherwise," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in the update.

According to the update, health care facilities on and near the Navajo Nation continue to administer the COVID-19 vaccine by drive-thru clinic or by appointment.

The three health agencies have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:

Chinle Service Unit: 5.522
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,871
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,588
Gallup Service Unit: 4,754
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,657
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,045
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,655
Winslow Service Unit: 1,969

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

There are 16,396 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 253,994 tests have been conducted.

3:56 p.m.: New Mexico state health officials on Tuesday announced 148 additional COVID-19 cases, three of them in San Juan County.

The Department of Health on Tuesday reported seven new deaths in the state related to the virus, including a woman in her 90s from McKinley County who had underlying conditions.

The number of deaths among New Mexico residents rose to 3,932 Tuesday.

San Juan County has reported 13,733 cases since the pandemic began.

There were 110 people hospitalized in the state on Tuesday due to COVID-19. There are 173,569 COVID-19 patients who have recovered since the start of the pandemic.

The state health department listed the most recent cases by county:

58 new cases in Bernalillo County
1 new case in Catron County
3 new cases in Chaves County
1 new case in Cibola County
37 new cases in Doña Ana County
6 new cases in Eddy County
1 new case in Guadalupe County
1 new case in McKinley County
3 new cases in Otero County
1 new case in Roosevelt County
25 new cases in Sandoval County
3 new cases in San Juan County
3 new cases in Santa Fe County
2 new cases in Socorro County
2 new cases in Valencia County
1 new case among individuals held by federal agencies at the Cibola County Correctional Center

The state reports these COVID-19 cases among people held by federal agencies at the following facilities:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 447
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 198
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

The Department of Health reports the following numbers among people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 292
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 759
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 217
Roswell Correctional Center: 230
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 230
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

• • •

The Navajo Nation reported March 30 that the first case of the U.K. variant of the COVID-19 virus on tribal land has been identified, and the patient was recovering after hospitalization.

That patient had been vaccinated one month before testing positive and was recovering at home, according to a release from the Office of the President and Vice President.

The news was announced during a town hall meeting held March 30 by Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer.

Updates for Monday, March 29

5:55 p.m.: There were five new cases of COVID-19 and no recent deaths in today's report by health agencies for the Navajo Nation.

According to the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center, the total number of cases is 30,064 and the death toll remains at 1,246.

"According to public health officials, parts of the country are now seeing a rise in new COVID-19 infections due to increases in travel and some states lifting restrictions too soon," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in the press release from his office.

He added, "here on the Navajo Nation, we have a 'Safer at Home' order in place, we continue to require masks to be worn in public, no indoor dining at restaurants, and no in-person gatherings of more than 10 people."

The health agencies have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,522
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,870
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,585
Gallup Service Unit: 4,754
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,656
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,042
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,648
Winslow Service Unit: 1,969

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

There are 16,359 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 253,615 tests have been conducted.

The Office of the President and Vice President will hold a virtual town hall at 10 a.m. on March 30 on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page.

4:08 p.m.: The New Mexico Health Department reported 182 additional COVID-19 cases Monday and no new deaths.

The number of New Mexico residents who have died of causes related to COVID-19 stands at 3,925.

San Juan County has had 13,730 cases diagnosed since the pandemic began.

There were 99 people hospitalized for COVID-19 in the state on Monday, and 173,497 people who had been diagnosed with the virus since the start of the pandemic have recovered.

The state listed the most recent cases by county:

54 new cases in Bernalillo County
2 new cases in Chaves County
2 new cases in Cibola County
1 new case in Colfax County
2 new cases in Curry County
52 new cases in Doña Ana County
2 new cases in Eddy County
1 new case in Hidalgo County
1 new case in Lea County
3 new cases in Los Alamos County
3 new cases in Luna County
1 new case in McKinley County
3 new cases in Otero County
1 new case in Rio Arriba County
25 new cases in Sandoval County
10 new cases in San Juan County
1 new case in San Miguel County
7 new cases in Santa Fe County
3 new cases in Taos County
4 new cases in Torrance County
4 new cases in Valencia County

The Department of Health currently reports the following numbers of COVID-19 cases among individuals held by federal agencies at the following facilities:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 446
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 198
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

The Department of Health currently reports the following numbers of COVID-19 cases among individuals held by the New Mexico Corrections Department at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 292
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 759
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 217
Roswell Correctional Center: 230
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 230
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

Updates for Sunday, March 28

7:30 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health and other agencies reported seven new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation Sunday and no new deaths.

The death toll since the start of the pandemic remains at 1,246.

The total number of positive COVID-19 cases on the Navajo Nation is now 30,059.

The Navajo Nation has recorded 16,348 recoveries from COVID-19. There have been 253,357 COVID-19 tests given.

"We cannot let pandemic fatigue undo the progress we have made," said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez in a press release. "…Our Navajo people have done a great job in reducing the spread of the virus, but we know how quickly the virus can re-emerge in our communities. So please stay vigilant and keep pushing back on the virus together. Stay home as much as possible, wear one or two masks, avoid large crowds and gatherings, practice social distancing, and wash your hands often."

The Navajo Department of Health issued Public Health Emergency Order No. 2021-007 on March 26, "extending the 'Safer at Home' order, revising the daily curfew hours from 10 p.m. MDT to 5 a.m. MDT, and allowing businesses to remain open one extra hour until 9 p.m. MDT each day of the week," according to the release by the Office of the President and Vice President.

A summary of the order's rules for outdoor drive-in gatherings, from the Sunday press release, is printed below:

The latest public health emergency order also creates the following provisions to allow outdoor "drive-in" gatherings during non-curfew hours:

Outdoor “drive-in” gatherings only, in which people from the same vehicle remain in their vehicles.
Vehicles are parked at least six feet from other vehicles, in all four directions.
Organizers and participants wear masks.
Gathering is conducted in a no-contact manner and maintaining social distancing standards.
Event organizers are also required to:

Limit the number of people in a restroom to no more than five (5) people.
Ensure that people have access to a handwashing station, sanitizer, or gloves.
Ensure that high-touch surfaces are regularly disinfected.

Navajo Nation COVID-19 positive cases by Navajo Area IHS Service Unit:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,522
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,870
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,585
Gallup Service Unit: 4,753
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,656
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,041
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,646
Winslow Service Unit: 1,968

*18 residences with COVID-19 positive cases are not specific enough to place them accurately in a service unit.

7:14 p.m.: New Mexico State Health Department officials reported 167 new COVID-19 cases Sunday and no new deaths. The statewide death toll related to COVID-19 cases is now 3,925 people.

San Juan County has had 13,720 reported cases since the pandemic began.

There were 109 people hospitalized in New Mexico on Sunday due to COVID-19 and 173,270 people who were diagnosed with COVID-19 have recovered over the course of the pandemic.

The state Department of Health listed the most recent cases by county:

50 new cases in Bernalillo County
5 new cases in Chaves County
2 new cases in Cibola County
1 new case in Colfax County
3 new cases in Curry County
19 new cases in Doña Ana County
9 new cases in Eddy County
5 new cases in Grant County
2 new cases in Guadalupe County
5 new cases in Lea County
2 new cases in Luna County
2 new cases in McKinley County
12 new cases in Otero County
1 new case in Rio Arriba County
11 new cases in Sandoval County
9 new cases in San Juan County
1 new case in San Miguel County
10 new cases in Santa Fe County
2 new cases in Socorro County
2 new cases in Taos County
2 new cases in Torrance County
9 new cases in Valencia County
2 new cases among New Mexico Corrections Department inmates at the Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County
1 new case among New Mexico Corrections Department inmates at the Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County

The Department of Health reports the following numbers of cases among people held by federal agencies at the following facilities:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 446
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 198
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

The following numbers of cases among were reported among people being held by the New Mexico Corrections Department at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 292
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 759
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 217
Roswell Correctional Center: 230
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 230
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

Updates for Saturday, March 27

6:45 p.m.: A total of two more deaths were reported among the 171 new COVID-19 cases in the state on March 27, according to figures from the New Mexico Department of Health.

New Mexico has totaled 190,887 cases of the virus.

A total of 460 San Juan County residents have died after becoming ill with COVID-19. Statewide, the virus has claimed 3,925 lives.

State officials said 118 people were hospitalized in New Mexico on March 28 for COVID-19. The total number of people tested for the virus in New Mexico is 2,971,727.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 54,446
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,724
Cibola County: 2,810
Colfax County: 720
Curry County: 5,030
De Baca: 133
Doña Ana County: 23,717
Eddy County: 6,648
Grant County: 1,609
Guadalupe County: 374
Harding County: 9
Hidalgo County: 352
Lea County: 8,182
Lincoln County: 1,586
Los Alamos County: 496
Luna County: 3,224
McKinley County: 12,136
Mora County: 168
Otero County: 3,594
Quay County: 427
Rio Arriba County: 3,468
Roosevelt County: 1,863
Sandoval County: 11,284
San Juan County: 13,709
San Miguel County: 1,313
Santa Fe County: 9,825
Sierra County: 710
Socorro County: 1,240
Taos County: 1,606
Torrance County: 673
Union County: 244
Valencia County: 6,383

State health officials says the following number of cases have been diagnosed among people being held by federal agencies at these facilities:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 446
Otero County Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 198
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

At facilities operated by the New Mexico Department of Corrections, the following numbers of cases have been reported:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 292
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 759
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Facility: 230
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doa Ana County: 229
Springer Correctional Facility in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

Updates for Friday, March 26

5:21 p.m.: State health officials on Friday reported 238 new COVID-19 cases and seven new deaths in New Mexico related to COVID-19.

The deaths include a man in his 80s from San Juan County who was hospitalized.

There were 22 new cases reported in San Juan County. The number of deaths of New Mexico residents related to COVID-19 is now 3,923.

There are 190,716 reported cases in New Mexico as of Friday.

There were 124 people hospitalized in New Mexico due to COVID-19 on Friday and 173,068 COVID-19 patients have recovered.

The state Department of Health listed the most recent cases by county:

73 new cases in Bernalillo County
7 new cases in Chaves County
2 new cases in Cibola County
1 new case in Colfax County
4 new cases in Curry County
36 new cases in Doña Ana County
4 new cases in Eddy County
8 new cases in Grant County
1 new case in Guadalupe County
2 new cases in Lea County
3 new cases in Lincoln County
1 new case in Los Alamos County
6 new cases in Luna County
6 new cases in McKinley County
15 new cases in Otero County
1 new case in Quay County
4 new cases in Rio Arriba County
13 new cases in Sandoval County
22 new cases in San Juan County
1 new case in San Miguel County
20 new cases in Santa Fe County
1 new case in Sierra County
1 new case in Socorro County
6 new cases in Valencia County

The state reports the following COVID-19 cases among people held by federal agencies at the following facilities:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 446
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

The Department of Health reports the following cases among people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 292
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 759
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 230
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 229
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

5:13 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reported nine more cases of COVID-19 for the Navajo Nation.

Today's report listed two additional virus-related deaths, bringing the death toll to 1,245.

The total number of cases is 30,040.

The three agencies have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,522
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,869
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,583
Gallup Service Unit: 4,751
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,653
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,035
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,643
Winslow Service Unit: 1,966

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

There are 16,336 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 252,464 tests have been conducted.

Updates for Thursday, March 25

5:24 p.m.: Health agencies for the Navajo Nation reported nine new cases of COVID-19 as tribal President Jonathan Nez advised residents to continue following public health recommendations as Arizona eases more restrictions.

Today's report by the Navajo Department of Health and other agencies showed eight more deaths.

The total number of cases is 30,031 and includes one where delayed reporting occurred. The death toll is 1,243.

Nez reminded the public that wearing face masks is mandatory on the tribal land.

"We have to stay the course and keep pushing back on COVID-19. To all of our residents on the Navajo Nation, please hold yourselves and your loved ones accountable," Nez said.

"If someone in your family is being careless and traveling excessively, encourage them to stay strong and to keep taking all precautions. We cannot let the fatigue caused by the pandemic undo the process we've made in terms of lower numbers of infections, hospitalizations and deaths," he added.

There are 16,336 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 252,464 tests have been conducted.

The health department, 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: 5,520
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,869
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,583
Gallup Service Unit: 4,749
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,652
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,032
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,642
Winslow Service Unit: 1,966

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

4:02 p.m.: State health officials on Thursday reported 235 new COVID-19 cases in New Mexico, bringing the state’s total since the pandemic began to 190,491.

The death toll among New Mexico residents is now 3,916.

Seven new cases were reported in San Juan County Thursday, with the same number of case found in McKinley County

Officials on Thursday reported seven new deaths in the state related to COVID-19, including:

A man in his 50s from San Juan County who had been hospitalized.
A man in his 70s from McKinley County who had underlying conditions.

On Thursday there were 112 people hospitalized in the state due to COVID-19, and the state listed 173,020 COVID-19 patients as having recovered.

The New Mexico Department of Health listed the most recent cases by county:

94 new cases in Bernalillo County
5 new cases in Chaves County
7 new cases in Curry County
28 new cases in Doña Ana County
8 new cases in Eddy County
1 new case in Grant County
2 new cases in Guadalupe County
1 new case in Lea County
3 new cases in Lincoln County
6 new cases in Luna County
7 new cases in McKinley County
6 new cases in Otero County
4 new cases in Rio Arriba County
26 new cases in Sandoval County
7 new cases in San Juan County
10 new cases in Santa Fe County
2 new cases in Socorro County
2 new cases in Taos County
1 new case in Torrance County
14 new cases in Valencia County
1 new case among New Mexico Corrections Department inmates at the Lea County Correctional Facility

New Mexico's 190,491 COVID-19 cases are in the following counties:

Bernalillo County: 54,322
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,713
Cibola County: 2,807
Colfax County: 718
Curry County: 5,025
De Baca County: 133
Doña Ana County: 23,660
Eddy County: 6,644
Grant County: 1,595
Guadalupe County: 371
Harding County: 9
Hidalgo County: 352
Lea County: 8,176
Lincoln County: 1,581
Los Alamos County: 495
Luna County: 3,215
McKinley County: 12,124
Mora County: 168
Otero County: 3,574
Quay County: 426
Rio Arriba County: 3,457
Roosevelt County: 1,863
Sandoval County: 11,259
San Juan County: 13,668
San Miguel County: 1,312
Santa Fe County: 9,805
Sierra County: 712
Socorro County: 1,239
Taos County: 1,605
Torrance County: 673
Union County: 244
Valencia County: 6,363

Updates for Wednesday, March 24

5:32 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, along with the Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center, reported 10 new cases of COVID-19 for the Navajo Nation.

Today's update raised the total number of cases to 30,021. The tally includes one case where delayed reporting occurred.

Health officials also reported two more deaths related to the virus, increasing the death toll to 1,235.

The number of new infections has been low for the tribe this week, including no new cases or recent deaths reported on March 22.

"Do not be discouraged by the slight increase in new cases over the last two days. Instead, it should serve to motivate us to do better and to keep pushing back on this virus," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in the update.

"COVID-19 is still in our communities and we can expect the number of new daily infections to fluctuate, but we cannot let another large surge occur. Let's remain focused and keep taking all precautions to limit possible exposures and risks," he added.

The health agencies have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,519
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,869
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,577
Gallup Service Unit: 4,749
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,650
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,031
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,642
Winslow Service Unit: 1,966

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

There are 16,334 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 252,226 tests have been conducted.

The Office of the President and Vice President will hold a virtual town hall at 10 a.m. MDT on March 25 on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page.

4:48 p.m.: New Mexico state health officials Wednesday reported 218 new COVID-19 cases and six new deaths. The new numbers raise the total of COVID-19 cases in New Mexico since the start of the pandemic to new cases to 190,275.

The number of deaths of New Mexico residents related to COVID-19 is now 3,909.

New deaths include these San Juan County residents:

A man in his 60s who was hospitalized and was a resident of the Bloomfield Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Bloomfield.
A woman in her 70s who was hospitalized.
A woman in her 80s who was hospitalized and had underlying conditions.

"Today's number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in New Mexico is unavailable due to a disruption in reporting," according to a press release from the health department.

As of Wednesday there were 172,954 COVID-19 patients who have recovered since the start of the pandemic.

The state Department of Health listed the most recent cases by county:

52 new cases in Bernalillo County
3 new cases in Chaves County
7 new cases in Curry County
59 new cases in Doña Ana County
6 new cases in Eddy County
4 new cases in Grant County
2 new cases in Guadalupe County
1 new case in Hidalgo County
4 new cases in Lea County
1 new case in Lincoln County
8 new cases in Luna County
3 new cases in McKinley County
7 new cases in Otero County
3 new cases in Rio Arriba County
5 new cases in Roosevelt County
22 new cases in Sandoval County
6 new cases in San Juan County
1 new case in San Miguel County
9 new cases in Santa Fe County
1 new case in Sierra County
3 new cases in Socorro County
2 new cases in Taos County
9 new cases in Valencia County

The state reports these COVID-19 cases among people held by federal agencies at the following facilities:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 446
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

The Department of Health reports these numbers of COVID-19 cases among people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 292
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 758
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 230
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 229
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

3:26 p.m.: New Mexico moved to the Turquoise Level of COVID-19 restrictions, meaning restaurants are allowed 75% capacity for both indoor and outdoor dining and sporting events and lodging facilities also have fewer restrictions. Essential retail spaces and close-contact spaces are allowed 75% capacity. Here's a link to our story.

Updates for Tuesday, March 23

7:39 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reported three new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation.

No additional deaths have been reported since March 20. The total number of cases is 30,010 while the death toll remains at 1,233.

"The Navajo Nation had no new cases of COVID-19 reported on Monday, but we anticipated more cases today. Having a few more cases reported today should not discourage us," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in a press release.

The health agencies have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,516
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,869
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,576
Gallup Service Unit: 4,746
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,650
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,028
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,642
Winslow Service Unit: 1,965

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

There are 16,334 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 251,688 tests have been conducted.

The department of health has issued a health advisory notice for uncontrolled spread of COVID-19 in Cameron, Leupp and Tolani Lake in Arizona. The notice was based on the number of cases from March 5 to March 18.

4:20 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health reported 174 new cases of COVID-19 on March 23, including nine San Juan County residents. There were 17 cases in Sandoval County, four in Rio Arriba County and three in McKinley County.

Health officials say 11 more people have died of the coronavirus. None of them were San Juan County residents.

A total of 190,064 New Mexicans have contracted the virus. Of those people, 3,903 have died.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 54,192
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,708
Cibola County: 2,807
Colfax County: 718
Curry County: 5,011
De Baca County: 133
Doña Ana County: 23,576
Eddy County: 6,627
Grant County: 1,590
Guadalupe County: 367
Harding County: 9
Hidalgo County: 351
Lea County: 8,173
Lincoln County: 1,577
Los Alamos County: 495
Luna County: 3,201
McKinley County: 12,113
Mora County: 168
Otero County: 3,567
Quay County: 426
Rio Arriba County: 3,449
Roosevelt County: 1,858
Sandoval County: 11,211
San Juan County: 13,655
San Miguel County: 1,311
Santa Fe County: 9,788
Sierra County: 713
Socorro County: 1,234
Taos County: 1,599
Torrance County: 672
Union County: 244
Valencia County: 6,339

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 446
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

Health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for the virus at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 292
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 758
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 230
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 229
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

Updates for Monday, March 22

6:08 p.m.: The Navajo Nation saw no new cases of COVID-19, according to today's report by health agencies.

However, the tribe surpassed 30,000 cases of coronavirus on March 21 when nine cases were announced. There is now a total of 30,007 cases.

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez commended today's update but warned the fight against the virus continues.

"Once again, the Navajo Nation is exemplifying what can be accomplished when we listen to public health experts and work together. Our hard work is paying off and our prayers are being answered," Nez said.

There were no recent virus-related deaths reported today or yesterday, keeping the death toll at 1,233.

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: 5,515
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,869
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,576
Gallup Service Unit: 4,745
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,649
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,028
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,642
Winslow Service Unit: 1,965

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

There are 16,331 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 251,270 tests have been conducted.

The Office of the President and Vice President will hold a virtual town hall at 10 a.m. on March 23 on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page.

3:55 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health reported 167 new cases of COVID-19 on March 22, including six San Juan County residents. There were 12 new cases in Sandoval County and two in McKinley County.

Health officials say three more people have died because of the coronavirus. Two of them were San Juan County residents including a man in his 20s who was hospitalized and had underlying conditions and a woman in her 80s who was hospitalized.

There have been 189,893 cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico since the virus was first detected in the state a little more than a year ago. Of those people, 3,892 have died.

The Farmington 87401 ZIP code had the tenth highest number of new cases in the state with five residents testing positive.

There are 115 people hospitalized in New Mexico with COVID-19.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 54,118
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,707
Cibola County: 2,806
Colfax County: 718
Curry County: 5,010
De Baca County: 133
Doña Ana County: 23,557
Eddy County: 6,619
Grant County: 1,590
Guadalupe County: 366
Harding County: 9
Hidalgo County: 351
Lea County: 8,172
Lincoln County: 1,577
Los Alamos County: 494
Luna County: 3,194
McKinley County: 12,110
Mora County: 168
Otero County: 3,562
Quay County: 425
Rio Arriba County: 3,445
Roosevelt County: 1,858
Sandoval County: 11,194
San Juan County: 13,646
San Miguel County: 1,311
Santa Fe County: 9,782
Sierra County: 710
Socorro County: 1,233
Taos County: 1,599
Torrance County: 671
Union County: 244
Valencia County: 6,332

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:·

Cibola County Correctional Center: 446
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

Health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for the virus at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 292
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 758
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 230
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 229
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

Update for Sunday, March 21

6:30 p.m.: No deaths were reported among the 171 new COVID-19 cases in the state on March 21, according to figures from the New Mexico Department of Health.

New Mexico has totaled 189,731 cases of the virus.

A total of 453 San Juan County residents have died after becoming ill with COVID-19. Statewide, the virus has claimed 3,889 lives.

State officials said 122 people were hospitalized in New Mexico on March 21 for COVID-19. The total number of people tested for the virus in New Mexico is 2,919,549.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 54,052
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,706
Cibola County: 2,806
Colfax County: 718
Curry County: 5,009
De Baca: 133
Dona Aa County: 23,532
Eddy County: 6,615
Grant County: 1,590
Guadalupe County: 366
Harding County: 9
Hidalgo County: 351
Lea County: 8,150
Lincoln County: 1,576
Los Alamos County: 494
Luna County: 3,183
McKinley County: 12,109
Mora County: 168
Otero County: 3,558
Quay County: 425
Rio Arriba County: 3,447
Roosevelt County: 1,857
Sandoval County: 11,182
San Juan County: 13,641
San Miguel County: 1,310
Santa Fe County: 9,779
Sierra County: 708
Socorro County: 1,233
Taos County: 1,599
Torrance County: 670
Union County: 244
Valencia County: 6,329

State health officials says the following number of cases have been diagnosed among people being held by federal agencies at these facilities:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 446
Otero County Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

At facilities operated by the New Mexico Department of Corrections, the following numbers of cases have been reported:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 292
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 758
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Facility: 230
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Dona Ana County: 229
Springer Correctional Facility in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

Update for Saturday, March 20

3:35 p.m. The state of New Mexico reported 191 new cases of COVID-19 on March 20, which included seven San Juan County residents.

The New Mexico Department of Health also reported seven new deaths in the state with none of them residing in San Juan County.

It brings the total number of cases of COVID-19 to 189,731 in New Mexico and 3,889 deaths.

There were 130 people hospitalized in the state with the coronavirus.

For San Juan County, a total of 13,639 cases of COVID-19 have been reported along with 453 deaths.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 53,999
Catron County: 82
Chaves County: 8,704
Cibola County: 2,805
Colfax County: 717
Curry County: 4,993
De Baca County: 133
Doña Ana County: 23,512
Eddy County: 6,608
Grant County: 1,589
Guadalupe County: 366
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 351
Lea County: 8,136
Lincoln County: 1,576
Los Alamos County: 494
Luna County: 3,182
McKinley County: 12,107
Mora County: 168
Otero County: 3,547
Quay County: 425
Rio Arriba County: 3,447
Roosevelt County: 1,855
Sandoval County: 11,165
San Juan County: 13,639
San Miguel County: 1,309
Santa Fe County: 9,772
Sierra County: 707
Socorro County: 1,234
Taos County: 1,596
Torrance County: 669
Union County: 244
Valencia County: 6,322

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 446
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

Health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for the virus at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 292
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 758
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 230
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 229
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

Updates for Friday, March 19

6:25 p.m.: Health officials for the Navajo Nation reported five new cases of COVID-19 and one additional virus-related death.

On March 18, the tribe had 18 new cases, one case where delayed reporting occurred and six additional deaths.

"We had several new cases of COVID-19 reported due to an in-person birthday party that was held recently. Now is not the time to hold large in-person gatherings among multiple households due to the ongoing risks of COVID-19 and the variants. It's these types of actions that lead to surges in new infections and more hospitalizations," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in the press release that announced today's figures.

The total number of cases is 29,992 and the death toll is 1,229.

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: 5,514
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,869
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,574
Gallup Service Unit: 4,741
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,648
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,026
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,639
Winslow Service Unit: 1,963

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

There are 16,290 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 250,676 tests have been conducted.

4:40 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health reported 226 new cases of COVID-19, including eight San Juan County residents. There were 29 new cases in Sandoval County, two in McKinley County and two in Rio Arriba County.

State health officials say the coronavirus has killed five more New Mexicans. None of them lived in San Juan County.

There have been 189,374 cases of COVID-19 in the state and 3,882 deaths.

There are 130 people hospitalized in the state with the coronavirus.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 53,932
Catron County: 82
Chaves County: 8,704
Cibola County: 2,805
Colfax County: 716
Curry County: 4,988
De Baca County: 133
Doña Ana County: 23,476
Eddy County: 6,605
Grant County: 1,588
Guadalupe County: 365
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 351
Lea County: 8,135
Lincoln County: 1,575
Los Alamos County: 493
Luna County: 3,177
McKinley County: 12,101
Mora County: 168
Otero County: 3,536
Quay County: 425
Rio Arriba County: 3,447
Roosevelt County: 1,853
Sandoval County: 11,151
San Juan County: 13,632
San Miguel County: 1,303
Santa Fe County: 9,762
Sierra County: 707
Socorro County: 1,233
Taos County: 1,594
Torrance County: 669
Union County: 244
Valencia County: 6,317

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:·

Cibola County Correctional Center: 446
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

Health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for the virus at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 292
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 758
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 230
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 229
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

Updates for Thursday, March 18

3:51 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health reported 263 new cases of COVID-19 on March 18, including four San Juan County residents. There were 21 new cases in Sandoval County and two in Rio Arriba County.

State health officials also reported five more deaths caused by the coronavirus. One of the people who died was a San Juan County resident in her 40s who was hospitalized and had underlying conditions.

There have been 189,158 cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico and 3,877 deaths.

There are 138 people hospitalized in the state with COVID-19.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 53,855
Catron County: 82
Chaves County: 8,703
Cibola County: 2,804
Colfax County: 716
Curry County: 4,988
De Baca County: 133
Doña Ana County: 23,436
Eddy County: 6,601
Grant County: 1,583
Guadalupe County: 365
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 350
Lea County: 8,130
Lincoln County: 1,576
Los Alamos County: 493
Luna County: 3,171
McKinley County: 12,099
Mora County: 168
Otero County: 3,525
Quay County: 425
Rio Arriba County: 3,448
Roosevelt County: 1,853
Sandoval County: 11,122
San Juan County: 13,624
San Miguel County: 1,299
Santa Fe County: 9,747
Sierra County: 707
Socorro County: 1,233
Taos County: 1,594
Torrance County: 664
Union County: 244
Valencia County: 6,315

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:·

Cibola County Correctional Center: 446
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

Health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for the virus at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 292
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 758
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 230
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 227
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

Updates for Wednesday, March 17

11:10 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center report 10 new cases of COVID-19, one delayed case and three more deaths related to the virus for the Navajo Nation.

A year ago today, the first COVID-19 case was confirmed for the tribe. As of today, there have been 29,968 cases and 1,222 tribal members have died.

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, first lady Phefelia Nez, Vice President Myron Lizer and second lady Dottie Lizer remembered those lost in a memorial event tonight in Window Rock, Arizona.

The health agencies have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,512
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,869
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,568
Gallup Service Unit: 4,735
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,646
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,025
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,634
Winslow Service Unit: 1,961

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

There are 16,288 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 250,106 tests have been conducted.

5 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health reported 255 new cases of COVID-19 on March 17, including six San Juan County residents. There were three new cases in McKinley County, two in Rio Arriba County and 20 in Sandoval County.

State health officials say 12 more people have died of the coronavirus, including a San Juan County resident in her 80s who had underlying conditions.

There have been a total of 188,907 cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico and 3,872 deaths.

There are 123 people hospitalized in New Mexico.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 53,770
Catron County: 82
Chaves County: 8,701
Cibola County: 2,794
Colfax County: 716
Curry County: 4,985
De Baca County: 133
Doña Ana County: 23,400
Eddy County: 6,591
Grant County: 1,578
Guadalupe County: 365
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 350
Lea County: 8,124
Lincoln County: 1,576
Los Alamos County: 492
Luna County: 3,170
McKinley County: 12,099
Mora County: 168
Otero County: 3,511
Quay County: 425
Rio Arriba County: 3,446
Roosevelt County: 1,853
Sandoval County: 11,101
San Juan County: 13,622
San Miguel County: 1,292
Santa Fe County: 9,735
Sierra County: 707
Socorro County: 1,233
Taos County: 1,593
Torrance County: 663
Union County: 244
Valencia County: 6,292

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:·

Cibola County Correctional Center: 446
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

Health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for the virus at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 291
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 757
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 230
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 220
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

Updates for Tuesday, March 16

5:45 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center report two new cases of COVID-19 and one more virus-related death.

The total number of cases is 29,957 and includes one where delayed reporting occurred. The death toll is 1,219.

There are 16,286 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 249,762 tests have been conducted.

The agencies have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,512
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,867
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,568
Gallup Service Unit: 4,732
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,645
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,022
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,634
Winslow Service Unit: 1,959

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

"Wednesday will mark one year since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in a press release.

He added there will be a day of prayer virtual event on March 19 to honor and remember those who have death of COVID-19. There were no further details in the release.

"As we continue in this COVID-19 pandemic, the best way to honor those who have passed on is to keep fighting hard by continue to protect ourselves and others by adhering to the basic safety protocols – stay home as much as possible, wear one or two masks, avoid large gatherings and crowds, practice social distancing and wash your hands with soap and warm water often," Nez said.

The president's office will provide an update about the virus and the tribe's response in a town hall on March 17 at 10 a.m. MDT on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page.

3:40 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health reported 186 new cases of COVID-19 on March 16, including two San Juan County residents. There were three new cases in McKinley County, 14 in Sandoval County and two in Rio Arriba County.

State health officials say seven more people have died of the coronavirus. None of the new deaths were San Juan County residents.

There have been 188,664 cases in New Mexico and 3,860 deaths.

One hundred thirty-seven people are currently hospitalized in state with COVID-19.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 53,718
Catron County: 82
Chaves County: 8,691
Cibola County: 2,793
Colfax County: 716
Curry County: 4,980
De Baca County: 133
Doña Ana County: 23,323
Eddy County: 6,577
Grant County: 1,576
Guadalupe County: 365
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 350
Lea County: 8,121
Lincoln County: 1,574
Los Alamos County: 490
Luna County: 3,165
McKinley County: 12,096
Mora County: 168
Otero County: 3,501
Quay County: 425
Rio Arriba County: 3,444
Roosevelt County: 1,852
Sandoval County: 11,081
San Juan County: 13,620
San Miguel County: 1,282
Santa Fe County: 9,729
Sierra County: 707
Socorro County: 1,233
Taos County: 1,594
Torrance County: 662
Union County: 244
Valencia County: 6,276

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:·

Cibola County Correctional Center: 446
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

Health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for the virus at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 291
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 757
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 230
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 220
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

Updates for Monday, March 15

7:13 p.m.: There were six new cases of COVID-19 for the Navajo Nation, according to today's report by the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center.

The total number of cases is 29,954. There were no recent virus-related deaths reported, keeping the death toll at 1,218.

The Navajo Nation transitioned from red status to orange status on its scale for reopening. While that eases some restrictions, residents on the tribal land remain under a curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. each day.

"Our transition to 'orange status' is not a full reopening. We still have restrictions on the number of people allowed inside business establishments at one time, indoor restaurant dining is still prohibited, and we also have very strict guidelines in place for businesses to follow to help keep customers safe," Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said.

The health department identified the communities of Baca-Prewitt and Coyote Canyon as having uncontrolled spread of COVID-19, based on cases from Feb. 26 to March 11.

Health agencies have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,511
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,867
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,567
Gallup Service Unit: 4,732
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,644
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,022
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,634
Winslow Service Unit: 1,959

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

There are 16,276 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 249,493 tests have been conducted.

3:45 p.m.: There weren’t any new cases of COVID-19 in San Juan County on March 15, according to the New Mexico Department of Health. Statewide, 185 people tested positive, including one McKinley County resident and 19 Sandoval County residents.

State health officials reported one new fatality caused by the illness. That person lived in Roosevelt County.

There have been 188,488 total cases of the coronavirus in New Mexico and, of those people, 3,853 have died.

There are 126 people hospitalized in the state with COVID-19.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 53,654
Catron County: 82
Chaves County: 8,692
Cibola County: 2,791
Colfax County: 716
Curry County: 4,978
De Baca County: 133
Doña Ana County: 23,292
Eddy County: 6,569
Grant County: 1,571
Guadalupe County: 365
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 350
Lea County: 8,120
Lincoln County: 1,574
Los Alamos County: 490
Luna County: 3,148
McKinley County: 12,093
Mora County: 167
Otero County: 3,498
Quay County: 425
Rio Arriba County: 3,442
Roosevelt County: 1,851
Sandoval County: 11,066
San Juan County: 13,618
San Miguel County: 1,277
Santa Fe County: 9,724
Sierra County: 707
Socorro County: 1,233
Taos County: 1,592
Torrance County: 661
Union County: 244
Valencia County: 6,270

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 446
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

Health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for the virus at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 291
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 757
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 229
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 220
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

Updates for Sunday, March 14

4:56 p.m.: Health officials in New Mexico on Sunday reported 160 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases and two more deaths.

There were seven new cases reported in San Juan County and no new cases reported in Mc Kinley County on Sunday. None of the deaths involved San Juan County or McKinley County residents.

The latest numbers raise the state's totals to 188,311 cases and 3,852 known deaths since the pandemic began.

Of the additional cases, 45 were reported in Bernalillo County and 29 in Doña Ana County.

There were 118 people hospitalized in New Mexico due to COVID-19 on Sunday. There are 166,437 COVID-19 patients the state says have recovered since the pandemic began.

New Mexico health officials listed by county the number of COVID-19 cases reported since the start of the pandemic as of Sunday:

Bernalillo County: 53,594
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,690
Cibola County: 2,789
Colfax County: 715
Curry County: 4,974
De Baca County: 133
Doña Ana County: 23,262
Eddy County: 6,565
Grant County: 1,564
Guadalupe County: 365
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 350
Lea County: 8,117
Lincoln County: 1,571
Los Alamos County: 489
Luna County: 3,140
McKinley County: 12,091
Mora County: 166
Otero County: 3,486
Quay County: 425
Rio Arriba County: 3,442
Roosevelt County: 1,848
Sandoval County: 11,047
San Juan County: 13,618
San Miguel County: 1,277
Santa Fe County: 9,720
Sierra County: 706
Socorro County: 1,231
Taos County: 1,589
Torrance County: 660
Union County: 244
Valencia County: 6,266

The Department of Health currently reports the following numbers of COVID-19 cases among people held by federal agencies at the following facilities:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 445
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

The Department of Health currently reports the following numbers of COVID-19 cases among people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 291
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 757
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 229
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 220
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

— A staff and wire report

The Navajo Nation on Sunday reported three additional cases of COVID-19, but no new deaths.

The latest numbers pushed the tribe’s pandemic total to 29,948 confirmed cases. The known death toll remained at 1,218.

The Navajo Nation is planning a soft reopening Monday with 25% capacity for some businesses under certain restrictions.

Still, mask mandates and daily curfews remain.

"Health care experts continue to caution everyone about traveling," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in a statement. "We know that our numbers of daily new cases are low, but we all know how quickly another surge can happen.

"It's important for the health and well-being of everyone to continue taking all safety measures such as wearing a mask, or even two masks, in public," Nez added. "We have to keep our guard up at all times and not let down. Vaccines continue to be administered across the Navajo Nation and we encourage everyone to consider getting vaccinated to help in this fight against COVID-19.

"Continue staying home as much as possible, wear a mask, practice social distancing, avoid large gatherings and crowds, and wash your hands often," Nez said.

— The Associated Press

Updates for Saturday, March 13

6:35 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reported 15 new cases of COVID-19 and three more virus-related deaths on March 13.

There were 19 new cases and three deaths reported a day earlier. These figures bring the total number of cases to 29,945 while the death toll is 1,218.

There are 16,223 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 248,781 tests have been conducted.

"Health care experts continue to caution everyone about traveling. We know that our numbers of daily new cases are low, but we all know how quickly another surge can happen," Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said.

Health agencies have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,508
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,867
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,567
Gallup Service Unit: 4,732
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,644
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,020
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,632
Winslow Service Unit: 1,957

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

On March 12, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe reported in a press release that two cases of the variant first detected in the United Kingdom have been identified within the tribe's boundaries in Colorado.

The release states that the variants were identified by the Colorado state public health laboratory and the origin of the variant is under investigation by the tribe, San Juan Basin Public Health, and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

This is the second variant identified on the tribe's land. Southern Ute officials reported on Feb. 27 that the variant first detected in California was identified in an individual who died of COVID-19.

3:57 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health reported 198 new cases of COVID-19. Today's number includes nine cases in San Juan County, three cases in Rio Arriba County and nine cases in Sandoval County.

The report listed three more deaths related to the virus. None were individuals from San Juan County.

There has been a total of 188,167 cases of COVID-19 in the state and 3,850 people have died.

The number of people hospitalized in the state is 127.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 53,555
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,682
Cibola County: 2,788
Colfax County: 713
Curry County: 4,971
De Baca County: 133
Doña Ana County: 23,233
Eddy County: 6,559
Grant County: 1,559
Guadalupe County: 365
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 350
Lea County: 8,111
Lincoln County: 1,571
Los Alamos County: 489
Luna County: 3,136
McKinley County: 12,091
Mora County: 166
Otero County: 3,481
Quay County: 425
Rio Arriba County: 3,443
Roosevelt County: 1,847
Sandoval County: 11,036
San Juan County: 13,615
San Miguel County: 1,273
Santa Fe County: 9,713
Sierra County: 706
Socorro County: 1,231
Taos County: 1,587
Torrance County: 660
Union County: 244
Valencia County: 6,258

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 445
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

Health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for the virus at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 291
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 756
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 229
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 220
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

Update for Friday, March 12

3:57 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health reported 268 new cases of COVID-19 on March 12, including seven San Juan County residents. One Rio Arriba County resident tested positive as did 17 people in Sandoval County and one person in McKinley County.

State health officials say six more people have died of the coronavirus. None of them were San Juan County residents.

There have been a total of 187,984 cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico and, of those people, 3,840 have died.

There are 124 people hospitalized in the state with COVID-19.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 53,490
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,677
Cibola County: 2,784
Colfax County: 712
Curry County: 4,968
De Baca County: 133
Doña Ana County: 23,205
Eddy County: 6,554
Grant County: 1,553
Guadalupe County: 365
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 350
Lea County: 8,109
Lincoln County: 1,571
Los Alamos County: 488
Luna County: 3,134
McKinley County: 12,091
Mora County: 166
Otero County: 3,470
Quay County: 425
Rio Arriba County: 3,440
Roosevelt County: 1,845
Sandoval County: 11,027
San Juan County: 13,611
San Miguel County: 1,267
Santa Fe County: 9,709
Sierra County: 704
Socorro County: 1,231
Taos County: 1,580
Torrance County: 660
Union County: 244
Valencia County: 6,250

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 445
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

State health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for COVID-19 at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 291
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 751
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 229
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 220
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 75

Updates for Thursday, March 11

6:20 p.m.: Health officials for the Navajo Nation reported eight new cases of COVID-19 as well as seven more virus-related deaths.

The total number of cases is 29,911 while there have been 1,212 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:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,497
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,864
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,562
Gallup Service Unit: 4,730
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,643
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,019
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,628
Winslow Service Unit: 1,950

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

There are 16,212 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 248,630 tests have been conducted.

Medical facilities on and near the Navajo Nation continue to administer COVID-19 vaccines.

"The vaccines are highly effective against the virus, but they do not guarantee that you won't become infected with the virus. So, it's very important that even after you receive the vaccine, you continue to take all precautions including wearing a mask and staying home as much as possible," tribal President Jonathan Nez said.

The Navajo Nation will move to "orange status" on March 15, which will implement a "soft reopening" of more businesses, the president added.

"As more businesses open up at limited capacity and with many safety measures in place, please continue to take all precautions and make good decisions for yourselves and others," Vice President Myron Lizer said.

3:45 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health reported 236 new cases of COVID-19 on March 11, one year after the governor first issued a declaration of public health emergency for the coronavirus.

San Juan County had an increase of 18 new cases. Meanwhile, Sandoval County had five new cases, McKinley County had six new cases and Rio Arriba County had six new cases.

The Farmington-area 87401 ZIP code had one of the highest numbers of new cases in the state. According to the department of health, eight of the 18 San Juan County cases were people who live in the 87401 ZIP code.

State health officials say six more people have died of the disease, including a San Juan County resident in his 60s who had underlying conditions.

Since the first case of COVID-19 was identified in New Mexico, the state has had a total of 187,720 cases. Of those people, 3,846 have died.

There are 130 people hospitalized in the state who have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 53,397
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,675
Cibola County: 2,777
Colfax County: 710
Curry County: 4,967
De Baca County: 132
Doña Ana County: 23,167
Eddy County: 6,550
Grant County: 1,543
Guadalupe County: 365
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 350
Lea County: 8,107
Lincoln County: 1,564
Los Alamos County: 487
Luna County: 3,134
McKinley County: 12,089
Mora County: 165
Otero County: 3,448
Quay County: 425
Rio Arriba County: 3,439
Roosevelt County: 1,845
Sandoval County: 11,010
San Juan County: 13,604
San Miguel County: 1,257
Santa Fe County: 9,698
Sierra County: 704
Socorro County: 1,228
Taos County: 1,569
Torrance County: 658
Union County: 244
Valencia County: 6,243

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 445
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

State health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for COVID-19 at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 290
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 751
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 229
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 220
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 74

Updates for Wednesday, March 10

6:20 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reported 13 new COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation.

There was one more death related to the virus, raising the death toll to 1,205.

"Everyone has to keep their guard up to keep our numbers of new cases of COVID-19 low along with hospitalizations. COVID-19 variants are still spreading in regions of the country, so please continue to take all precautions," tribal President Jonathan Nez said.

The total number of cases is 29,900. There are 16,212 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 248,120 tests have been conducted.

The health agencies have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,496
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,861
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,562
Gallup Service Unit: 4,729
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,642
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,018
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,626
Winslow Service Unit: 1,948

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

3:45 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health reported 257 new cases of COVID-19 on March 10, including two San Juan County residents. There were four new cases in McKinley County, six in Sandoval County and two in Rio Arriba County.

Health officials say nine more New Mexicans have died of the coronavirus. None of them were San Juan County residents.

There have been 187,487 cases of COVID-19 in the state since the virus was first detected in New Mexico. Of those people, 3,839 have died.

There are 134 people hospitalized in the state who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 53,321
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,672
Cibola County: 2,772
Colfax County: 710
Curry County: 4,962
De Baca County: 132
Doña Ana County: 23,131
Eddy County: 6,543
Grant County: 1,532
Guadalupe County: 365
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 350
Lea County: 8,106
Lincoln County: 1,561
Los Alamos County: 486
Luna County: 3,131
McKinley County: 12,083
Mora County: 164
Otero County: 3,439
Quay County: 424
Rio Arriba County: 3,433
Roosevelt County: 1,845
Sandoval County: 11,006
San Juan County: 13,586
San Miguel County: 1,255
Santa Fe County: 9,684
Sierra County: 704
Socorro County: 1,228
Taos County: 1,566
Torrance County: 658
Union County: 244
Valencia County: 6,242

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 445
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

State health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for COVID-19 at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 288
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 736
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 229
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 220
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 74

Updates for Tuesday, March 9

6:55 p.m.: The Navajo Nation saw 12 new cases of COVID-19 and one more virus-related death, according to a press release by the Office of the President and Vice President this evening.

According to the release, public health experts presented data during today's town hall that showed the tribe has met all gating measures and indicators to transition from "level red – extensive very high" to "level orange – substantial high" in community spread of the virus.

"Recent data also indicates that there is a consistent downward trajectory in new infections of COVID-19, inpatient hospital and ICU bed usage is less than 80%, and an infection rate of 0.81 over the last seven days, which indicates that the nation can expect to see fewer cases," the release states.

Information about the transition from "level red" to "level orange" will be discussed during a town hall at 6 p.m. on March 10 on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page.

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: 5,496
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,860
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,558
Gallup Service Unit: 4,727
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,641
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,017
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,624
Winslow Service Unit: 1,946

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

The total number of cases is 29,887 and includes two where delayed reporting occurred. The death toll is 1,204.

There are 16,202 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 247,314 tests have been conducted.

3:55 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health reported 209 new cases of COVID-19 on March 9, including three San Juan County residents. There were 12 new cases in Sandoval County, five in Rio Arriba County and six in McKinley County.

State health officials say 19 more people have died of the coronavirus. None of them were San Juan County residents. Fourteen of the fatalities listed in the March 9 report were New Mexico residents who had died between Jan. 20 and Feb. 20 in Texas. The New Mexico Department of Health received their death certificates on March 8.

There have been 187,238 cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico and 3,830 associated deaths. State health officials have designated 158,616 of the COVID-19 cases as recovered.

There are 128 people hospitalized in the state with COVID-19.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 53,229
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,666
Cibola County: 2,769
Colfax County: 710
Curry County: 4,958
De Baca County: 132
Doña Ana County: 23,092
Eddy County: 6,538
Grant County: 1,523
Guadalupe County: 364
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 350
Lea County: 8,105
Lincoln County: 1,559
Los Alamos County: 486
Luna County: 3,123
McKinley County: 12,079
Mora County: 162
Otero County: 3,419
Quay County: 421
Rio Arriba County: 3,431
Roosevelt County: 1,842
Sandoval County: 11,000
San Juan County: 13,584
San Miguel County: 1,248
Santa Fe County: 9,667
Sierra County: 704
Socorro County: 1,228
Taos County: 1,563
Torrance County: 658
Union County: 240
Valencia County: 6,236

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 445
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

State health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for COVID-19 at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 288
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 736
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 229
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 220
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 74

Updates for Monday, March 8

5:48 p.m.: There were six new COVID-19 cases and two additional virus-related deaths reported for the Navajo Nation by the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center today.

Tribal President Jonathan Nez said in a press release the tribe is marking 22 consecutive days with less than 50 new infections reported.

According to the release, the tribe remains under a daily curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. and the public health order to stay home is in effect through March 15.

"Some states are lifting all restrictions, but we will continue to take a conservative approach as we move forward while prioritizing the health and well-being of our people," Nez said.

The health agencies have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,495
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,859
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,558
Gallup Service Unit: 4,724
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,640
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,015
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,621
Winslow Service Unit: 1,943

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

The total number of cases is 29,873 and includes one case where delayed reporting occurred. The death toll is 1,203.

There are 16,184 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 246,802 tests have been conducted.

3:53 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health reported 126 new cases of COVID-19 on March 8, including two San Juan County residents. The new cases also include two people from McKinley County, 10 Sandoval County residents and one person from Rio Arriba County.

Health officials say three more people have died of the coronavirus in New Mexico. None of them were San Juan County residents.

Since the pandemic first reached New Mexico, 187,040 people have tested positive in the state and, of those people, 3,811 have died.

There are 136 people hospitalized in the state who have tested positive.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 53,149
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,666
Cibola County: 2,769
Colfax County: 710
Curry County: 4,952
De Baca County: 132
Doña Ana County: 23,055
Eddy County: 6,532
Grant County: 1,520
Guadalupe County: 364
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 350
Lea County: 8,107
Lincoln County: 1,557
Los Alamos County: 486
Luna County: 3,121
McKinley County: 12,073
Mora County: 162
Otero County: 3,407
Quay County: 421
Rio Arriba County: 3,426
Roosevelt County: 1,843
Sandoval County: 10,988
San Juan County: 13,581
San Miguel County: 1,246
Santa Fe County: 9,655
Sierra County: 704
Socorro County: 1,228
Taos County: 1,562
Torrance County: 658
Union County: 237
Valencia County: 6,227

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 445
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

State health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for COVID-19 at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 288
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 736
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 126
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 229
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 220
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 74

Updates for Sunday, March 7

4:23 p.m.: There were 183 new COVID-19 cases reported Sunday by New Mexico state health officials and 12 new deaths related to the virus.

The total number of cases in the state since the pandemic began reached 186,922 on Sunday.

Among the 12 new reported deaths were four people from San Juan County:

• A man in his 40s who was hospitalized and had underlying conditions.

• A woman in her 50s who was hospitalized.

• A woman in her 80s who was hospitalized.

• A second woman in her 80s who was hospitalized.

There were 169 people hospitalized in New Mexico for COVID-19 as of Sunday, and 156,554 COVID-19 patients have recovered since the pandemic began, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.

The Department of Health has identified at least one positive COVID-19 case in residents and/or staff in the past 28 days at this long-term care facility in San Juan County:

• BeeHive Homes Farmington

The state Department of Health listed the most recent cases by county:

• 54 new cases in Bernalillo County

• 5 new cases in Chaves County

• 2 new cases in Cibola County

• 1 new case in Colfax County

• 1 new case in Curry County

• 26 new cases in Doña Ana County

• 7 new cases in Eddy County

• 3 new cases in Grant County

• 1 new case in Lincoln County

• 3 new cases in Luna County

• 4 new cases in McKinley County

• 14 new cases in Otero County

• 3 new cases in Rio Arriba County

• 1 new case in Roosevelt County

• 17 new cases in Sandoval County

• 9 new cases in San Juan County

• 1 new case in San Miguel County

• 5 new cases in Santa Fe County

• 1 new case in Socorro County

• 4 new cases in Taos County

• 9 new cases in Valencia County

• 9 new cases among New Mexico Corrections Department inmates at the Lea County Correctional Facility

• 3 new cases among New Mexico Corrections Department inmates at the Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County

Below is the total of the state’s 186,922 COVID-19 cases broken down by county:

Bernalillo County: 53,090

Catron County: 83

Chaves County: 8,666

Cibola County: 2,769

Colfax County: 709

Curry County: 4,945

De Baca County: 132

Doña Ana County: 23,031

Eddy County: 6,530

Grant County: 1,519

Guadalupe County: 364

Harding County: 8

Hidalgo County: 350

Lea County: 8,108

Lincoln County: 1,554

Los Alamos County: 486

Luna County: 3,120

McKinley County: 12,071

Mora County: 162

Otero County: 3,405

Quay County: 421

Rio Arriba County: 3,425

Roosevelt County: 1,843

Sandoval County: 10,978

San Juan County: 13,582

San Miguel County: 1,246

Santa Fe County: 9,654

Sierra County: 704

Socorro County: 1,227

Taos County: 1,560

Torrance County: 656

Union County: 237

Valencia County: 6,226

— The Daily Times staff

• • •

The Navajo Nation has reported seven additional COVID-19 cases and three more deaths from the virus.

As of Sunday, the tribe has reported 29,866 confirmed cases and 1,201 deaths from the virus since the pandemic began a year ago.

Health facilities on the reservation and in border towns are conducting drive-thru vaccine events or administering doses by appointment. The Navajo-area Indian Health Service has vaccinated more than 135,000 people so far.

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez says home is still the safest place for people be despite the relaxing of some restrictions in neighboring states, including Arizona.

A daily curfew from 9 a.m. to 5 a.m. and a mask mandate remain in effect for residents of the vast reservation that covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to prevent the spread of the virus.

— The Associated Press

Updates for Saturday, March 6

10:08 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reported 16 new COVID-19 cases on March 6.

The health agencies have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,494
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,857
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,556
Gallup Service Unit: 4,721
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,639
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,011
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,620
Winslow Service Unit: 1,941

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

The total number of cases went up to 29,857, and three more people have died due to COVID-19. The death toll went up to 1,198.

There are 16,153 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus, and 246,277 total tests have been conducted.

4 p.m.: The number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 statewide continues to drop significantly, as the New Mexico Department of Health reported 148 hospitalizations as of March 6.

It’s the first time New Mexico dropped below 150 COVID-19-related hospitalizations since Oct. 14, 2020.

NMDOH also reported 288 new COVID-19 cases and 10 new deaths on March 6.

San Juan County added 13 new cases, while McKinley County added five new cases.

Rio Arriba added two new cases, while Sandoval County and Bernalillo County added 21 and 75 new cases, respectively.

The total number of positive COVID-19 cases statewide went up to 186,742, and the total number of deaths related to COVID-19 are up to 3,796.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 53,036
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,662
Cibola County: 2,767
Colfax County: 708
Curry County: 4,944
De Baca County: 132
Doña Ana County: 23,004
Eddy County: 6,523
Grant County: 1,516
Guadalupe County: 364
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 350
Lea County: 8,110
Lincoln County: 1,554
Los Alamos County: 486
Luna County: 3,117
McKinley County: 12,067
Mora County: 162
Otero County: 3,391
Quay County: 421
Rio Arriba County: 3,422
Roosevelt County: 1,842
Sandoval County: 10,961
San Juan County: 13,573
San Miguel County: 1,245
Santa Fe County: 9,649
Sierra County: 704
Socorro County: 1,226
Taos County: 1,556
Torrance County: 656
Union County: 237
Valencia County: 6,217

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 445
Otero County Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

State health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for COVID-19 at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 288
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 727
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 123
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 229
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 220
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility: 74

Updates for Friday, March 5

8:35 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reported 12 new cases of COVID-19 today.

"Based on what we have learned over the last year, we know that it doesn’t take much to create another large surge in new COVID-19 infections and that's what we are trying to avoid, but it takes all of us working together to do that," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in a press release.

The health agencies have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,492
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,857
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,548
Gallup Service Unit: 4,716
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,638
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,011
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,620
Winslow Service Unit: 1,938

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

The total number of cases is 29,838 and includes 11 where delayed reporting occurred. One more person has died due to COVID-19, raising the death toll to 1,195.

There are 16,140 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 246,109 tests have been conducted.

3:45 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health reported 306 new cases of COVID-19 on March 5, including eight San Juan County residents. There were seven new cases in McKinley County, two in Rio Arriba County and 22 in Sandoval County.

State health officials say 18 more people have died of the coronavirus. Four San Juan County residents were listed including:

A man in his 40s who was hospitalized and had underlying conditions
A man in his 60s with underlying conditions
A man in his 70s who was hospitalized and had underlying conditions
A man in his 80s who was hospitalized and had underlying conditions

The state has had a total of 186,460 cases of COVID-19 and, of those people, 3,787 have died.

There are 183 people hospitalized with the virus in New Mexico.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 52,965
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,658
Cibola County: 2,762
Colfax County: 708
Curry County: 4,942
De Baca County: 132
Doña Ana County: 22,970
Eddy County: 6,513
Grant County: 1,514
Guadalupe County: 364
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 350
Lea County: 8,057
Lincoln County: 1,554
Los Alamos County: 485
Luna County: 3,115
McKinley County: 12,062
Mora County: 162
Otero County: 3,374
Quay County: 420
Rio Arriba County: 3,420
Roosevelt County: 1,841
Sandoval County: 10,939
San Juan County: 13,562
San Miguel County: 1,240
Santa Fe County: 9,637
Sierra County: 703
Socorro County: 1,226
Taos County: 1,553
Torrance County: 654
Union County: 237
Valencia County: 6,201

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 445
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

State health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for COVID-19 at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 288
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 727
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 123
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 229
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 220
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 74

Updates for Thursday, March 4

5:30 p.m.: Health officials for the Navajo Nation reported 19 new cases of COVID-19 and seven deaths related to the virus today.

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: 5,480
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,856
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,548
Gallup Service Unit: 4,713
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,637
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,010
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,617
Winslow Service Unit: 1,937

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

The total number of cases is 29,816 and includes three where delayed reporting occurred. The death toll is 1,194.

There are 16,131 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 245,804 tests have been conducted.

4:20 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health reported 259 new cases of COVID-19 on March 4, including five San Juan County residents. In neighboring counties, six people tested positive in McKinley County as did 24 Sandoval County residents. There were no new cases in Rio Arriba County.

State officials say 16 more people have died of the coronavirus. Those fatalities include two San Juan County men in their 60s. Both were hospitalized and one had underlying conditions. An Aztec Healthcare resident in her 80s who was hospitalized and had underlying conditions has also died.

There have been 186,156 cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico and, of those people, 3,769 have died.

There are 177 people hospitalized in the state with COVID-19.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 52,863
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,651
Cibola County: 2,759
Colfax County: 703
Curry County: 4,940
De Baca County: 132
Doña Ana County: 22,915
Eddy County: 6,500
Grant County: 1,508
Guadalupe County: 363
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 350
Lea County: 8,050
Lincoln County: 1,552
Los Alamos County: 485
Luna County: 3,111
McKinley County: 12,056
Mora County: 162
Otero County: 3,356
Quay County: 420
Rio Arriba County: 3,419
Roosevelt County: 1,840
Sandoval County: 10,916
San Juan County: 13,554
San Miguel County: 1,237
Santa Fe County: 9,622
Sierra County: 702
Socorro County: 1,226
Taos County: 1,551
Torrance County: 650
Union County: 237
Valencia County: 6,189

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 445
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

State health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for COVID-19 at the following facilities:

·Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 288
·Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
·Lea County Correctional Facility: 726
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 167
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 123
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 229
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 218
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 74

Updates for Wednesday, March 3

5:38 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reported 20 new cases of COVID-19 today.

The agencies reported three deaths. The total number of cases is 29,794 and there have been 1,187 COVID-related deaths.

The latest information was released by the Office of the President and Vice President.

The office's press release states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the tribal health department urge the public to continue to wear face masks, to wash hands frequently, to social distance and to exercise additional precautions to prevent COVID-19.

"We continue to meet with members of Congress and the White House to advocate for more resources for our Navajo people in the American Rescue Plan that is being considered at the federal level right now," tribal President Jonathan Nez said.

There will be a town hall by the president's office on March 4 at 10 a.m. on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page.

Health agencies have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,477
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,855
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,544
Gallup Service Unit: 4,707
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,637
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,007
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,615
Winslow Service Unit: 1,934

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

There are 16,124 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 245,372 tests have been conducted.

3:50 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health reported 359 new cases of COVID-19 on March 3, including eight San Juan County residents. The largest number of new cases was in Bernalillo County, where 102 people tested positive. In counties neighboring San Juan County, 22 people tested positive in Sandoval County as did 10 Rio Arriba County residents and six people from McKinley County.

Health officials say 13 more people have died of the coronavirus. The new deaths include a San Juan County resident in her 60s who was hospitalized and had underlying conditions.

New Mexico has had 185,898 residents test positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic reached the state. Of those people, 3,753 have died.

There are 195 people hospitalized in state with the virus.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 52,783
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,644
Cibola County: 2,757
Colfax County: 702
Curry County: 4,934
De Baca County: 132
Doña Ana County: 22,876
Eddy County: 6,487
Grant County: 1,505
Guadalupe County: 362
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 350
Lea County: 8,050
Lincoln County: 1,550
Los Alamos County: 483
Luna County: 3,109
McKinley County: 12,050
Mora County: 161
Otero County: 3,340
Quay County: 420
Rio Arriba County: 3,420
Roosevelt County: 1,840
Sandoval County: 10,893
San Juan County: 13,549
San Miguel County: 1,234
Santa Fe County: 9,612
Sierra County: 703
Socorro County: 1,225
Taos County: 1,542
Torrance County: 646
Union County: 237
Valencia County: 6,177

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 444
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

State health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for COVID-19 at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 288
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 716
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 166
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 123
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 229
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 218
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 74

Updates for Tuesday, March 2

5:17 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reported 16 new COVID-19 cases and 14 deaths for the Navajo Nation.

The agencies have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,473
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,855
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,538
Gallup Service Unit: 4,705
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,635
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,007
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,613
Winslow Service Unit: 1,930

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

Today's update brings the total number of cases to 29,774. There are 16,115 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 245,085 tests have been conducted.

3:50 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health reported 247 new cases of COVID-19 on March 2, including 12 San Juan County residents, 18 Sandoval County residents, eight McKinley County residents and two Rio Arriba County residents.

State health officials say 11 more people have died of the coronavirus. These deaths include a San Juan County resident in his 40s who had underlying conditions and another county resident in her 70s who also had underlying conditions and who was hospitalized at the time.

A total of 185,542 New Mexico residents have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last year and, of those people, 3,740 have died.

There are 199 people hospitalized with the virus in New Mexico.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 52,682
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,631
Cibola County: 2,748
Colfax County: 702
Curry County: 4,927
De Baca County: 132
Doña Ana County: 22,822
Eddy County: 6,471
Grant County: 1,499
Guadalupe County: 362
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 349
Lea County: 8,045
Lincoln County: 1,544
Los Alamos County: 483
Luna County: 3,099
McKinley County: 12,044
Mora County: 161
Otero County: 3,333
Quay County: 420
Rio Arriba County: 3,410
Roosevelt County: 1,839
Sandoval County: 10,871
San Juan County: 13,541
San Miguel County: 1,233
Santa Fe County: 9,600
Sierra County: 700
Socorro County: 1,224
Taos County: 1,536
Torrance County: 644
Union County: 237
Valencia County: 6,165

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 444
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

State health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for COVID-19 at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 288
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 679
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 166
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 123
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 229
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 218
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 74

Updates for Monday, March 1

6:20 p.m.: Twelve cases of COVID-19 were reported today by the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center.

There were no recent deaths in the report for the Navajo Nation. This keeps the death toll at 1,170.

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said today that the United States could be at risk of rising COVID-19 infections due to variants spreading and reports of states easing public health measures, according to the press release from the tribe's Office of the President and Vice President.

The release states that Walensky noted the U.S. has had a 2% rise in new infections this past week, compared to the previous week.

"Researchers are still studying the variants and learning more about them, so it's very important that all of our Navajo Nation residents be very cautious," tribal President Jonathan Nez said.

He advised tribal members against travel to regions where variants have been detected.

"We've had a gradual decline in new infections here on the Navajo Nation for several weeks, but we know that it doesn't take much to have another large surge. We have to inform one another and hold each other accountable," Nez said.

Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer mentioned that the Southern Ute Indian Tribe reported its first case of the coronavirus variant detected in California.

The tribe, headquartered in Ignacio, Colorado, reported in a Feb. 27 press release that a state public health laboratory identified the variant, labeled B.1.427/B.1.429, from an individual who recently died of COVID-19.

The matter remains under investigation and the tribe is working with San Juan Basin Public Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, according to the release.

The three health agencies for the Navajo Nation have been disclosing case numbers from the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS:

Chinle Service Unit: 5,473
Crownpoint Service Unit: 2,855
Fort Defiance Service Unit: 3,537
Gallup Service Unit: 4,698
Kayenta Service Unit: 2,631
Shiprock Service Unit: 5,005
Tuba City Service Unit: 3,607
Winslow Service Unit: 1,930

*18 residences with cases not specific enough to place accurately in a service unit.

The total number of cases is 29,754. There are 16,109 individuals who are considered recovered from the virus. A total of 244,483 tests have been conducted.

4:10 p.m.: Nearly a year into the pandemic, New Mexico started the month with 166 new cases of COVID-19. Those new cases include eight San Juan County residents, according to the New Mexico Department of Health. In neighboring counties, three Rio Arriba County residents, two McKinley County residents and 10 Sandoval County residents tested positive.

Health officials say 13 more people have died because of the coronavirus. None of them lived in San Juan County.

The new cases raise the total to 185,297 in New Mexico and, of those people, 3729 have died.

There are 186 people hospitalized in the state.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 52,582
Catron County: 83
Chaves County: 8,624
Cibola County: 2,747
Colfax County: 702
Curry County: 4,923
De Baca County: 132
Doña Ana County: 22,787
Eddy County: 6,463
Grant County: 1,496
Guadalupe County: 361
Harding County: 8
Hidalgo County: 349
Lea County: 8,041
Lincoln County: 1,543
Los Alamos County: 482
Luna County: 3,099
McKinley County: 12,036
Mora County: 161
Otero County: 3,317
Quay County: 420
Rio Arriba County: 3,408
Roosevelt County: 1,839
Sandoval County: 10,853
San Juan County: 13,529
San Miguel County: 1,230
Santa Fe County: 9,591
Sierra County: 699
Socorro County: 1,222
Taos County: 1,536
Torrance County: 643
Union County: 237
Valencia County: 6,158

The following number of people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 444
Otero County Federal Prison Facility: 443
Otero County Processing Center: 197
Torrance County Detention Facility: 47

State health officials say the following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive for COVID-19 at the following facilities:

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 288
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility: 251
Lea County Correctional Facility: 678
Northeast New Mexico Correctional Facility in Union County: 166
Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 123
Otero County Prison Facility: 472
Penitentiary of New Mexico in Santa Fe County: 215
Roswell Correctional Center: 229
Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Doña Ana County: 218
Springer Correctional Center in Colfax County: 151
Western New Mexico Correctional Facility in Cibola County: 74

Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e