Here are the May coronavirus updates from San Juan County, Four Corners region

FARMINGTON — The northwest region of New Mexico, including San Juan County, became the hot spot of COVID-19 infections and the Navajo Nation has been especially hard hit.

The first case of the coronavirus documented in San Juan County was announced on March 21.

Updates from March and April 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

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Updates for Sunday, May 31

4:22 p.m.: New Mexico state health officials on Sunday announced 69 additional positive tests for COVID-19 and five more deaths, four of them San Juan County residents.

The number of deaths statewide related to COVID-19 has reached 356.

The five additional deaths due to COVID-19 reported May 31 are:

• A woman in her 80s from McKinley County who was hospitalized and had underlying conditions.

• A man in his 60s from San Juan County who was hospitalized and had underlying conditions.

• A woman in her 80s from San Juan County who had underlying conditions and was a resident of the Cedar Ridge Inn facility in Farmington.

• A man in his 90s from San Juan County who had underlying conditions and was a resident of Life Care Center of Farmington.

• A second man in his 90s from San Juan County who had underlying conditions and was a resident of Life Care Center of Farmington.

There were 182 people hospitalized in New Mexico for COVID-19 as of May 31, and 2,853 COVID-19 patients who had tested positive are designated by the state as having recovered.

The most recent cases reported by the state Department of Health are:

12 new cases in Bernalillo County

2 new cases in Chaves County

2 new cases in Cibola County

1 new case in Curry County

6 new cases in Doña Ana County

2 new cases in Eddy County

11 new cases in McKinley County

3 new cases in Rio Arriba County

2 new cases in Roosevelt County

2 new cases in Sandoval County

19 new cases in San Juan County

2 new cases in Santa Fe County

1 new case in Valencia County

4 new cases among individuals held by federal agencies at the Otero County Prison Facility

Including the above newly reported cases, New Mexico has documented 7,689 positive tests for COVID-19:

Bernalillo County: 1,476

Catron County: 2

Chaves County: 47

Cibola County: 141

Colfax County: 5

Curry County: 52

Doña Ana County: 466

Eddy County: 22

Grant County: 15

Guadalupe County: 20

Harding County: 1

Hidalgo County: 1

Lea County: 26

Lincoln County: 2

Los Alamos County: 6

Luna County: 8

McKinley County: 2,415

Otero County: 22

Quay County: 5

Rio Arriba County: 47

Roosevelt County: 40

Sandoval County: 568

San Juan County: 1,733

San Miguel County: 15

Santa Fe County: 142

Sierra County: 1

Socorro County: 50

Taos County: 24

Torrance County: 32

Union County: 4

Valencia County: 74

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

Aztec Health Care in Aztec

Beehive Homes in Farmington

Cedar Ridge Inn in Farmington

Life Care Center of Farmington in Farmington

San Juan Center in Farmington

Wellbrook Transitional Rehabilitation Center in Farmington

The state reports the following numbers of COVID-19 cases among federal prisoners held at the following facilities:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 2

Otero County Prison Facility: 70

Otero County Processing Center: 92

Torrance County Detention Facility: 18

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

Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 1

Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 2

Otero County Prison Facility: 42

6:52 a.m.: There were 105 new cases for COVID-19 reported on May 30 by the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center, increasing the total to 5,250.

The agencies also reported 10 more people died, raising the number of deaths attributed to the disease to 241.

A press release from the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President, released at 11:20 p.m. Saturday, states that preliminary reports from nine health care facilities indicate that approximately 1,814 individuals have recovered, with more reports pending.

The agencies shifted reporting the number of cases in each county that comprises tribal land in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to reporting cases in the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS.

Cases by service unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 1,357
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 513
• Fort Defiance Service Unit: 277
• Gallup Service Unit: 875
• Kayenta Service Unit: 798
• Shiprock Service Unit: 849
• Tuba City Service Unit: 448
• Winslow Service Unit: 102

*31 residences are not specific enough to place them accurately in a service unit

Residents on the Navajo Nation remain under a lockdown until 5 a.m. Monday.

Updates for Saturday, May 30

4:30 p.m.: Two people who had been hospitalized became the latest victims of COVID-19 in San Juan County on May 30, joining five other people in New Mexico who died from the virus.

The county's victims included a woman in her 70s and a man in his 40s who had underlying conditions.

A total of 117 county residents have died after becoming ill with COVID-19.

State officials said 189 people were hospitalized in New Mexico on May 30 for COVID-19.

Officials from the New Mexico Department of Health reported 23 new cases of the virus in San Juan County.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 1,464

Catron County: 2

Chaves County: 65

Cibola County: 139

Colfax County: 5

Curry County: 51

Dona Ana County: 460

Eddy County: 20

Grant County: 15

Guadalupe County: 20

Harding County: 1

Hidalgo County: 1

Lea County: 26

Lincoln County: 2

Los Alamos County: 6

Luna County: 8

McKinley County: 2,406

Otero County: 22

Quay County: 5

Rio Arriba County: 44

Roosevelt County: 38

Sandoval County: 566

San Juan County: 1,715

San Miguel County: 15

Santa Fe County: 140

Sierra County: 1

Socorro County: 50

Taos County: 25

Torrance County: 32

Union County: 4

Valencia County: 73

State officials announced May 30 that New Mexico has 7,624 COVID-19 cases, an increase of 134 from a day earlier. Additionally, the state has 351 deaths related to the virus.

A total of 194,447 people have been tested for the virus across New Mexico.

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: 2

Otero County Prison Facility: 66

Otero County Processing Center: 92

Torrance County Detention Facility: 18

9 a.m.: The death count related to COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation saw an increase on May 29 after a recent review by the Navajo Epidemiology Center of records from state and local health departments.

The Navajo Department of Health reported on May 28 that the epidemiology center cross-referenced the number of deaths with information from state and local health departments and reconciled their data, which revealed 61 additional deaths, according to a press release from the Office of the President and Vice President.

The release states that the 61 deaths along with three additional deaths reported on May 29 bought the death toll to 231.

The tribe's health department director, Jill Jim, explained in the release that the epidemiology center tracks mortality data daily and it often takes about two weeks to verify deaths related to COVID-19 with health departments in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.

"The 61 COVID-19 deaths reported on Friday are a result of a delay in verification with the state mortality database. The 61 deaths did not occur in the past two days, but over a period of time," the release states.

Friday also saw 101 new positive cases for COVID-19, bringing the total number to 5,145. There have been 1,796 individuals who have recovered from the disease.

Cases by service unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 1,312
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 512
• Fort Defiance Service Unit: 261
• Gallup Service Unit: 869
• Kayenta Service Unit: 786
• Shiprock Service Unit: 841
• Tuba City Service Unit: 433
• Winslow Service Unit: 100

*31 residences are not specific enough to place them accurately in a service unit

A lockdown for the Navajo Nation started at 8 p.m. May 29 and remains in effect to 5 a.m. June 1.

"During this weekend's lockdown, let's remain diligent and stay home and spend time with our loved ones. This week, we received data that shows the weekend lockdowns are working to decrease the number of hospital visits, emergency room visits, and we are also seeing a flattening of daily cases of the virus. We are fighting hard every day for our people, so please think of others and remain home and safe," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in the release.

Update for Friday, May 29

3:53 p.m.: San Juan County had the second-largest increase in cases across New Mexico on May 29 with 31 new cases of COVID-19.

The county also had one fatality; a hospitalized woman in her 50s who had underlying medical conditions. There have been 115 deaths from the coronavirus in San Juan County.

The state reported 133 new coronavirus cases on May 29 and nine additional fatalities.

New Mexico has had 7,493 people test positive for the virus and 2,728 of those people have recovered. In addition, state health officials say there are 193 people hospitalized and 344 people have died.

Total cases by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 1,445
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 44
• Cibola County: 137
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 52
• Doña Ana County: 449
• Eddy County: 20
• Grant County: 15
• Guadalupe County: 20
• Harding County: 1
• Hidalgo County: 1
• Lea County: 26
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 8
• McKinley County: 2,348
• Otero County: 22
• Quay County: 5
• Rio Arriba County: 43
• Roosevelt County: 37
• Sandoval County: 559
• San Juan County: 1,692
• San Miguel County: 15
• Santa Fe County: 137
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 50
• Taos County: 25
• Torrance County: 33
• Union County: 4
• Valencia County: 74

Additionally, the New Mexico Department of Health is reporting people being held by federal agencies have tested positive for COVID-19 at the following facilities: 

• Cibola County Correctional Center: 2
• Otero County Prison Facility: 59
• Otero County Processing Center: 92
• Torrance County Detention Facility: 17

There have also been positive cases among people being held by the New Mexico Corrections Department at the following facilities:

• Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 1
• Northwest New Mexico Correctional Center in Cibola County: 2
• Otero County Prison Facility: 42

Updates for Thursday, May 28

10:03 p.m.: The total number of positive COVID-19 cases on the Navajo Nation climbed past 5,000 today.

The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reported 100 new cases, raising the total number to 5,044.

The health agencies also reported eight more deaths related to the disease, bringing the death toll to 167.

Preliminary reports from nine health care facilities indicate that approximately 1,745 people have recovered from the disease with more reports pending.

Cases by service unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 1,269
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 508
• Fort Defiance Service Unit: 247
• Gallup Service Unit: 854
• Kayenta Service Unit: 780
• Shiprock Service Unit: 823
• Tuba City Service Unit: 432
• Winslow Service Unit: 100

*31 residences are not specific enough to place them accurately in a service unit

Tonight's press release from the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President reminds the public there will be a lockdown from 8 p.m. May 29 to 5 a.m. June 1.

A public health emergency order requiring the individuals to wear face masks or cloth face coverings in public remains in effect.

4 p.m.: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is issuing a new public health order that will allow some indoor dining as well as opening indoor malls at limited capacity and allowing gyms to reopen starting June 1.

This comes after state officials say the coronavirus peaked in New Mexico on May 1.

Unlike previous public health orders, Lujan Grisham said this order will apply to San Juan County as well as other regions of the state.

Meanwhile, San Juan County saw an increase of 19 new cases of coronavirus on Thursday as well as one new death.

Total cases by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 1,434
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 42
• Cibola County: 136
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 51
• Doña Ana County: 442
• Eddy County: 21
• Grant County: 15
• Guadalupe County: 20
• Harding County: 1
• Hidalgo County: 1
• Lea County: 24
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 7
• McKinley County: 2,291
• Otero County: 18
• Quay County: 5
• Rio Arriba County: 41
• Roosevelt County: 37
• Sandoval County: 556
• San Juan County: 1,662
• San Miguel County: 14
• Santa Fe County: 138
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 50
• Taos County: 24
• Torrance County: 33
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 73

Additionally, the New Mexico Department of Health is reporting people being held by federal agencies have tested positive for COVID-19 at the following facilities: 

• Cibola County Correctional Center: 2
• Otero County Prison Facility: 55
• Otero County Processing Center: 92
• Torrance County Detention Facility: 17

There have also been positive cases among people being held by the New Mexico Corrections Department at the following facilities:

• Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 1
• Otero County Prison Facility: 42

3:15 p.m.: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said there were six new coronavirus-related deaths on Thursday and 108 new cases of COVID-19. There have been 7,364 New Mexicans test positive for the virus and 335 of them have died. According to the New Mexico Department of Health, 2,684 people have recovered and 196 people are hospitalized.

Updates for Wednesday, May 27

10:34 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center report 102 new positive cases for COVID-19. This brings the total number of cases to 4,944.

The agencies are also reporting another death related to the disease, raising the death toll to 159.

Preliminary reports from nine health care facilities indicate that approximately 1,620 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, with more reports pending, a press release from the Office of the President and Vice President states.

The health agencies shifted reporting the number of cases in each county that comprises tribal land in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to reporting cases in the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS.

Cases by service unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 1,213
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 508
• Fort Defiance Service Unit: 242
• Gallup Service Unit: 849
• Kayenta Service Unit: 773
• Shiprock Service Unit: 819
• Tuba City Service Unit: 425
• Winslow Service Unit: 84

*31 residences are not specific enough to place them accurately in a service unit

There will be a lockdown from 8 p.m. May 29 to 5 a.m. June 1 on the Navajo Nation, the release states.

4:30 p.m.: The largest increase in cases in New Mexico on Wednesday was in San Juan County, where state health officials say there are 37 new cases of COVID-19 and a man in his 60s has died.

The state reported 127 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday and four additional fatalities.

New Mexico has had 7,252 people test positive for the virus and 2,638 of those people have recovered. In addition, state health officials say there are 210 people hospitalized and 329 people have died.

Total cases by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 1,383
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 42
• Cibola County: 134
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 50
• Doña Ana County: 439
• Eddy County: 19
• Grant County: 15
• Guadalupe County: 20
• Harding County: 1
• Hidalgo County: 1
• Lea County: 24
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 7
• McKinley County: 2,270
• Otero County: 17
• Quay County: 5
• Rio Arriba County: 38
• Roosevelt County: 37
• Sandoval County: 551
• San Juan County: 1,642
• San Miguel County: 14
• Santa Fe County: 137
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 49
• Taos County: 24
• Torrance County: 33
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 73

Additionally, the New Mexico Department of Health is reporting people being held by federal agencies have tested positive for COVID-19 at the following facilities: 

• Cibola County Correctional Center: 2
• Otero County Prison Facility: 54
• Otero County Processing Center: 92​
• Torrance County Detention Facility: 17

There have also been positive cases among people being held by the New Mexico Corrections Department at the following facilities:

• Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 1
• Otero County Prison Facility: 42

12:45 p.m.: San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington received 2,500 face shields produced by the Ford Motor Company today.

The face shields were delivered by Ziems Ford Corners, which partnered with Ford to secure the equipment for the hospital as well as a separate amount for the Northern Navajo Medical Center in Shiprock.

Ford started manufacturing face shields in March as part of its overall effort to address the need for medical equipment and supplies for health care workers, first responders and patients fighting the coronavirus.

Matthew Clugston, general manager for Ziems, explained that the donation was the result of communication between the dealership, community leaders, health care officials and Ford to address the need for protective protection equipment for medical workers in Shiprock and Farmington.

"It's been actually a pretty easy process for us. It was a couple of phone calls and a couple of meetings with Ford. They put together a plan really quickly and got it to us and we're able to get them here within a week of the orders being put in," Clugston said.

He added Ford officials were aware of the impact the coronavirus has taken on northwest New Mexico and the Navajo Nation.

Mike Ziems, sales and marketing manager at Ziems, said this was the first donation where a dealership in the Four Corners area partnered with Ford to address such a need in the community.

Ziems will deliver 5,000 face shields to Northern Navajo Medical Center on May 28.

Dave Turnbull, materials manager for San Juan Regional Medical center, said the face shields adds to keeping staff and patients safe.

"With today's struggles of being able to purchase supplies, PPE for staff as well as patients, these donations are just awesome," Turnbull said.

8:15 a.m.: The Navajo Nation saw 48 new positive cases for COVID-19 and one additional death related to the disease on May 26.

The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center report the total number of cases as 4,842 and the death toll now at 158.

"Preliminary reports from nine health care facilities indicate that approximately 1,585 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, with more reports still pending," according to a press release issued at 10:20 p.m. Tuesday by the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President.

The health agencies shifted reporting the number of cases in each county that comprises tribal land in Arizona, New Mexico and Utah to reporting cases in the eight service units under the Navajo Area IHS.

Cases by service unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 1,186
• Crownpoint Service Unit: 503
• Fort Defiance Service Unit: 237
• Gallup Service Unit: 837
• Kayenta Service Unit: 757
• Shiprock Service Unit: 785
• Tuba City Service Unit: 423
• Winslow Service Unit: 83

*31 residences are not specific enough to place them accurately in a service unit

"During a live online town hall on Tuesday, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer announced that recent data and new surge projections provided by the Navajo Area Indian Health Service on May 24, indicate that the COVID-19 surge peak for IHS hospitalizations, including ICU admissions and ventilations occurred from April 21 to April 26 – an entire month earlier than initial surge projections on March 27," the release states.

Updates for Tuesday, May 26

5 p.m.: A San Juan County resident in her 60s and a Cedar Ridge Inn resident in his 70s were among the coronavirus-related deaths reported by state health officials on Tuesday.

The state saw an increase of 107 cases of coronavirus, including 26 new cases in San Juan County. The new cases brought the state total to 7,130 people who have tested positive for the virus. In San Juan County, more than 1,600 people have tested positive.

Total cases by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 1,362
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 42
• Cibola County: 130
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 49
• Doña Ana County: 428
• Eddy County: 19
• Grant County: 15
• Guadalupe County: 20
• Harding County: 1
• Hidalgo County: 1
• Lea County: 24
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 7
• McKinley County: 2,236
• Otero County: 17
• Quay County: 5
• Rio Arriba County: 37
• Roosevelt County: 36
• Sandoval County: 546
• San Juan County: 1,605
• San Miguel County: 15
• Santa Fe County: 133
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 49
• Taos County: 24
• Torrance County: 32
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 73

Additionally, the New Mexico Department of Health is reporting people being held by federal agencies have tested positive for COVID-19 at the following facilities: 

• Cibola County Correctional Center: 2
• Otero County Prison Facility: 52
• Otero County Processing Center: 92
• Torrance County Detention Facility: 16

There have also been positive cases among people being held by the New Mexico Corrections Department at the following facilities:

• Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 1
• Otero County Prison Facility: 42

2:10 p.m.: San Juan Regional Medical Center announced that it has discharged its 100th patient who has recovered from COVID-19. 

“A lot of attention has focused on how many new cases of COVID-19 we are seeing per day, as well as the number of deaths," said President and CEO Jeff Bourgeois. "Let’s not forget about the number of people who have survived. We want to celebrate them as well."

Each time a patient is discharged, the hospital plays 'Here Comes the Sun' by the Beatles.

Updates for Monday, May 25

6:33 p.m.: There are 105 new cases of COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation. Statistics released today include one new death, bringing the total number of deaths to 157.

There are 4,794 positive COVID-19 cases on the Navajo Nation.

There have been 1,491 recoveries reported.

The Office of the President and Vice President plans an online town hall Tuesday at 10 a.m. on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page, according to a press release issued today. President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer will discuss information updates with representatives of the Navajo Department of Health and Navajo Area HIS.

“The curve is flattening on the Navajo Nation, even as we test aggressively,” Nez said in the press release. “…. Testing, contact tracing, and the public health orders that were implemented months ago requiring protective masks in public and weekend lockdowns are working and flattening the curve. When you look at the projections that were provided in March and compare them to numbers that we have, we are actually doing much better than the projections.” 

Navajo Nation cases by Service Unit:

• Chinle Service Unit: 1,169

• Crownpoint Service Unit: 503

• Ft. Defiance Service Unit: 236

• Gallup Service Unit: 834

• Kayenta Service Unit: 746

• Shiprock Service Unit: 774

• Tuba City Service Unit: 418

• Winslow Service Unit: 83

*31 residences are not specific enough to place them accurately in a Service Unit

3:45 p.m.: Two San Juan County residents who had tested positive for coronavirus and were hospitalized with the disease have died, according to state health officials. Both residents had underlying medical conditions and were among the three coronavirus-related deaths announced Monday.

The three new fatalities raised the number of deaths to 320 statewide.

New Mexico saw an increase of 93 cases on Monday, bringing the number of people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the state up to 7,026. Of those people, 2,522 have recovered and 215 are hospitalized.

The largest increase in cases came from San Juan and McKinley counties, which saw a combined 51 new cases on Monday.

Total case numbers by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 1,347
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 40
• Cibola County: 129
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 46
• Doña Ana County: 423
• Eddy County: 19
• Grant County: 16
• Guadalupe County: 19
• Harding County: 1
• Hidalgo County: 1
• Lea County: 24
• Lincoln County: 3
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 7
• McKinley County: 2,215
• Otero County: 14
• Quay County: 5
• Rio Arriba County: 37
• Roosevelt County: 36
• Sandoval County: 544
• San Juan County: 1,581
• San Miguel County: 15
• Santa Fe County: 133
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 49
• Taos County: 23
• Torrance County: 20
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 72

The New Mexico Department of Health is reporting people held by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive for COVID-19:

• Cibola County Correctional Center: 2
• Otero County Prison Facility: 51
• Otero County Processing Center: 92
• Torrance County Detention Facility: 2

In addition, individuals held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have tested positive at the following facilities:

• Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 1
• Otero County Prison Facility: 42

Updates for Sunday, May 24

10 p.m.: The number of coronavirus cases on the Navajo Nation rose by 56 to 4,689, the Navajo Department of Health announced Sunday.  The total number of deaths is 156.

“Preliminary reports from eight health care facilities indicate that approximately 1,400 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, with more reports still pending,” according to a release Sunday night by the Office of the President and Vice President. 

All businesses remained closed Sunday due to the Navajo Nation’s 57-hour weekend lockdown designed to discourage people from traveling and prevent the further spread of COVID-19, the release stated.

“We are fighting hard every day and I’m confident that we will soon begin to see a gradual decline in new cases if we continue to be diligent in wearing masks in public, practicing social distancing, and isolating those who test positive,” Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in the release. “Contact tracing is also key to slowing the spread of the virus.”

9:45 p.m.: An online wreath-laying ceremony will be held on Memorial Day.

The Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President, along with the Navajo Veterans Administration, will “honor military men and women who lost their lives defending our country and those missing in action, and a food distribution for Navajo veterans to assist them during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the office said Sunday night in a press release.

The wreath laying ceremony will be live-streamed Monday at 8 a.m. on the Nez-Lizer Facebook page.

“President Nez and Vice President Lizer will also share a Memorial Day message for Navajo veterans on local radio stations,” the release said. “Following the wreath laying ceremony, the Office of the President and Vice President will hold a food distribution for all Navajo veterans at 9 a.m. on Monday at the fairgrounds in Window Rock.”

4:37 p.m.: There are 149 new cases of COVID-19 in New Mexico, according to data released May 24 by the state Department of Health. Of those new cases, 23 were in San Juan County.

Officials also announced nine more deaths, three of them San Juan County residents. Statewide there have been 317 deaths of New Mexico residents related to COVID-19.

There were 213 individuals hospitalized in New Mexico for COVID-19 on May 24, and

2,464 cases designated as having recovered by the New Mexico Department of Health, according to a release by the governor’s office.

According to the release, the most recent cases are:

• 12 new cases in Bernalillo County

• 3 new cases in Chaves County

• 7 new cases in Cibola County

• 17 new cases in Doña Ana County

• 1 new case in Eddy County

• 64 new cases in McKinley County

• 2 new cases in Otero County

• 1 new case in Rio Arriba County

• 1 new case in Roosevelt County

• 9 new cases in Sandoval County

• 23 new cases in San Juan County

• 3 new cases in Santa Fe County

• 1 new case in Taos County

• 1 new case in Torrance County

• 3 new cases in Valencia County

• 1 new case among New Mexico Corrections Department inmates at the Otero County Prison Facility

The Department of Health Sunday also reported nine more deaths. Those cases are:

• A Man in his 60s from McKinley County. The individual was hospitalized and had underlying conditions. The individual was a resident of the Red Rocks Care Center in Gallup.

• A Man in his 70s from McKinley County. The individual was hospitalized and had underlying conditions.

• A woman in her 80s from McKinley County. The individual was hospitalized and had underlying conditions.

• A second woman in her 80s from McKinley County. The individual had underlying conditions and was a resident of the Little Sisters of the Poor facility in Gallup. 

• A third woman in her 80s from McKinley County. The individual was hospitalized and had underlying conditions. The individual was a resident of the Little Sisters of the Poor facility in Gallup.

• A man in his 90s from McKinley County. The individual had underlying conditions and was a resident of the Little Sisters of the Poor facility in Gallup.

• A man in his 50s from San Juan County. The individual was hospitalized.

• A man in his 60s from San Juan County. The individual was hospitalized and had underlying conditions.

• A man in his 80s from San Juan County. The individual was hospitalized and had underlying conditions.

Updates for Saturday, May 23

9:42 p.m.: Health agencies on the Navajo Nation reported four more deaths related to COVID-19 today, raising the death toll to 153.

The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reported 104 new cases of the disease.

There are now 4,633 cases, but preliminary reports from eight health care facilities indicate approximately 1,397 individuals have recovered.

The data was released by the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President and did not include the number of cases in each county that comprises tribal land in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. That information has not been released by the office and the Navajo Health Command Operations Center since May 14.

"If you look at the daily numbers of positive cases over the last couple of weeks, it appears that the curve is flattening. The number of daily new cases fluctuates, but not to a large degree," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in the press release.

He added there have been days with high numbers of new cases but that is due to more testing.

"Contact tracing, testing, and the public health orders are all making a difference and reducing hospital visits. We have to remain diligent and practice social distancing in order to begin to see a consistent decrease in daily numbers of new cases. Let's keeping fighting hard and thinking of others, especially our elders," Nez said.

Residents on the Navajo Nation remain under a lockdown until 5 a.m. May 25.

4:32 p.m.: Two women from San Juan County are among the six additional deaths related to COVID-19 in New Mexico.

The update on May 23 states that one woman was in her 60s and the other woman was in her 70s, both had underlying conditions and had been hospitalized.

A total of 103 county residents have died after becoming ill with COVID-19.

State officials said 208 people were hospitalized in New Mexico on May 23 for COVID-19.

Officials from the New Mexico Department of Health reported 42 new cases of the virus in San Juan County.

Total cases by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 1,326
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 36
• Cibola County: 122
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 46
• De Baca: 0
• Dona Ana County: 391
• Eddy County: 17
• Grant County: 16
• Guadalupe County: 19
• Harding County: 1
• Hidalgo County: 1
• Lea County: 23
• Lincoln County: 3
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 8
• McKinley County: 2,128
• Mora County: 0
• Otero County: 12
• Quay County: 5
• Rio Arriba County: 36
• Roosevelt County: 33
• Sandoval County: 534
• San Juan County: 1,533
• San Miguel County: 11
• Santa Fe County: 130
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 49
• Taos County: 23
• Torrance County: 19
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 69

State officials announced May 23 that New Mexico has 6,795 COVID-19 cases, an increase of 175 from a day earlier. Additionally, the state has 308 deaths related to the virus.

A total of 169,199 people has been tested for the virus across New Mexico.

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: 2
• Otero County Prison Facility: 50
• Otero County Processing Center: 92
• Torrance County Detention Facility: 2

Updates for Friday, May 22

9:12 p.m.: The number of positive cases for COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation rose by 95 today. The report by the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center raises the total number of cases to 4,529.

Two more deaths were reported by the three health agencies, increasing the death toll to 149.

Preliminary reports from some health care facilities indicate approximately 1,235 individuals have recovered from the disease. Additional reports are pending.

A lockdown for residents on the reservation started at 8 p.m. today. It will end at 5 a.m. May 25.

The latest figures were released by the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President and did not include data for the number of cases in each county that comprises tribal land in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

That data has not been reported by the office and the Navajo Health Command Operations Center since May 14.

4:45 p.m.: A quartet of elderly men who had underlying conditions became the latest victims of COVID-19 in San Juan County on May 22, joining four other people in New Mexico who died from the virus.

The county's victims included two men in their 70s who had been hospitalized, a man in his 90s who had been hospitalized and a man in his 90s who was a resident of Life Care Center in Farmington.

A total of 103 county residents have died after becoming ill with COVID-19.

State officials said 206 people were hospitalized in New Mexico on May 22 for COVID-19.

Officials from the New Mexico Department of Health reported 41 new cases of the virus in San Juan County.

Total cases by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 1,313
• Catron County:
• Chaves County:
• Cibola County: 122
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 45
• De Baca: 0
• Dona Ana County: 370
• Eddy County: 17
• Grant County: 16
• Guadalupe County: 19
• Harding County: 1
• Hidalgo County: 1
• Lea County: 21
• Lincoln County: 3
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 8
• McKinley County: 2,086
• Mora County: 0
• Otero County: 12
• Quay County: 5
• Rio Arriba County: 36
• Roosevelt County: 31
• Sandoval County: 529
• San Juan County: 1,490
• San Miguel County: 10
• Santa Fe County: 129
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 49
• Taos County: 22
• Torrance County: 19
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 70

State officials announced May 22 that New Mexico has 6,625 COVID-19 cases, an increase of 153 from a day earlier. Additionally, the state has 302 deaths related to the virus.

A total of 158,383 people have been tested for the virus across New Mexico.

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: 2
• Otero County Prison Facility: 39
• Otero County Processing Center: 66
• Torrance County Detention Facility: 1

Updates for Thursday, May 21

10:32 p.m.: The total number of positive COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation reached 4,434 May 21 as the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Epidemiology Center, Navajo Area Indian Health Service, and the Tribal Health Organizations, reported 181 new cases. 

The total number of deaths recorded is now 147.

“Preliminary reports from six health care facilities indicate that approximately 1,195 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, with more reports still pending,” according to a release form the Office of the President and Vice President. “A total of 27,932 COVID-19 tests have been administered with 21,611 negative results.” 

As of May 21, about 13.2% percent of Navajo Nation residents have been tested for the virus.

“Over 13-percent of our residents have been tested compared to 10-percent for states, said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. “The Nation has implemented a contact tracing team to address the increased number of cases and to begin identifying the places and people the patient was in contact with to deter more cases. As the number of cases increased, the amount of work and planning increased as well, but together we can slow the spread and flatten the curve.”

Vice President Myron Lizer urged people to plan ahead and get supplies early before the next weekend lockdown begins.

“As we approach another 57-hour weekend lockdown, we ask our Diné citizens to prepare ahead of time to avoid the rush into border towns and stores,” Lizer said in the release. “If you need essential household items or need to finish errands, please plan. For example, get enough healthy food and water that could last for more than 14 days, and get your prescription medications in advance. Each household should have a safety plan to minimize exposure of the virus.” 

The weekend lockdown starts Friday at 8 p.m. and lasts until Monday at 5 a.m.

5 p.m.: State health officials today announced 163 more positive tests for the COVID-19 virus in New Mexico, 19 of those in San Juan County. That brings the statewide total to 6,472.

Among the 11 new deaths reported today  were three people from San Juan County:

• A female in her 70s from San Juan County who was hospitalized and had underlying conditions.

• A female in her 80s from San Juan County who was a resident of the Cedar Ridge Inn facility in Farmington.

• A male in his 80s from San Juan County who had underlying conditions and was a resident of the Cedar Ridge Inn facility in Farmington.

There have been 294 deaths among New Mexico residents related to COVID-19.

There are 2,041 COVID-19 cases designated as having recovered by the New Mexico Department of Health.

The Department of Health reported that the most recent cases are:

• 22 new cases in Bernalillo County

• 2 new cases in Chaves County

• 1 new case in Cibola County

• 40 new cases in Doña Ana County

• 3 new cases in Lea County

• 39 new cases in McKinley County

• 3 new cases in Rio Arriba County

• 8 new cases in Sandoval County

• 19 new cases in San Juan County

• 1 new case in Santa Fe County

• 1 new case in Valencia County

• 4 new cases new cases among federal detainees at the ICE Otero County Processing Center

• 1 new case among individuals held by federal agencies at the Otero County Prison Facility

• 19 new cases among New Mexico Corrections Department inmates at the Otero County Prison Facility

New Mexico has now had a total of 6,472 positive tests for COVID-19. Here’s where they are:

Bernalillo County: 1,273

Catron County: 2

Chaves County: 34

Cibola County: 113

Colfax County: 5

Curry County: 44

Doña Ana County: 362

Eddy County: 17

Grant County: 16

Guadalupe County: 19

Harding County: 1

Hidalgo County: 1

Lea County: 21

Lincoln County: 3

Los Alamos County: 6

Luna County: 8

McKinley County: 2,044

Otero County: 8

Quay County: 5

Rio Arriba County: 36

Roosevelt County: 26

Sandoval County: 528

San Juan County: 1,451

San Miguel County: 10

Santa Fe County: 127

Sierra County: 1

Socorro County: 49

Taos County: 22

Torrance County: 19

Union County: 3

Valencia County: 69

The Department of Health has identified at least one positive COVID-19 case in residents and/or staff at the following San Juan County congregate living and acute care facilities:

• Aztec Health Care in Aztec

• Beehive Homes in Farmington

• Cedar Ridge Inn in Farmington

• Life Care Center of Farmington in Farmington

• Namaste House Assisted Living in Farmington

• San Juan Center in Farmington

• Tungland Corporation in Farmington

• Uptown Genesis in Albuquerque

• Wellbrook Transitional Rehabilitation Center in Farmington

Updates for Wednesday, May 20

9:05 p.m.: Health agencies on the Navajo Nation are reporting 100 new cases of COVID-19 and two more deaths.

The latest cases brings the total to 4,253 and the death toll to 146, according to the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service, Navajo Epidemiology Center and tribal health organizations.

"Preliminary reports from six health care facilities indicate that approximately 1,026 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, with more reports still pending. A total of 27,162 COVID-19 tests have been administered with 21,199 negative results. Approximately 13.2% of Navajo Nation residents have been tested for COVID-19," a press release from the Office of the President and Vice President states.

The release did not include data for the number of cases in each county that comprises tribal land in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. That data has not been reported by the president's office and the Navajo Health Command Operations Center since May 14.

"The Navajo Nation health care facilities are testing our citizens at a greater rate per capita than any state in the country. Over 12% of our residents have been tested compared to 10% for states. Extensive COVID-19 testing, contact tracing and isolation is helping to stop the spread of the virus and flatten the curve. Several drive-thru testings are being conducted on the Navajo Nation, which helps test large numbers of our citizens with minimal exposure of patients and frontline workers," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in the release.

The Navajo Nation will be under another lockdown this weekend – scheduled to start at 8 p.m. May 22 and end at 5 a.m. May 25. The order, issued on May 19 by the tribe's health department, will close all businesses and restrict travel on the reservation.

4:45 p.m.: Four of the seven coronavirus-related deaths announced by state health officials on Wednesday were San Juan County residents.

One of them was a resident of Life Care Center of Farmington who was in her 80s who had underlying medical conditions. Another one of the people who died was a resident of San Juan Center who was in his 80s and had underlying medical conditions. A woman in her 80s and another woman in her 90s who were both hospitalized have also died. Both of them had underlying medical conditions.

San Juan County saw an increase of 25 cases on Wednesday.

Total cases by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 1,254
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 32
• Cibola County: 111
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 44
• Doña Ana County: 322
• Eddy County: 17
• Grant County: 16
• Guadalupe County: 19
• Harding County: 1
• Hidalgo County: 1
• Lea County: 18
• Lincoln County: 3
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 8
• McKinley County: 2,009
• Otero County: 8
• Quay County: 5
• Rio Arriba County: 33
• Roosevelt County: 26
• Sandoval County: 520
• San Juan County: 1,432
• San Miguel County: 10
• Santa Fe County: 127
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 49
• Taos County: 22
• Torrance County: 19
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 69

In addition, the following number of people held by federal agencies at facilities in New Mexico have tested positive for COVID-19:

• Cibola County Correctional Center: 2
• Otero County Prison Facility: 38
• Otero County Processing Center: 62
• Torrance County Detention Facility: 1

The following number of people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department have also tested positive: 

• Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 1
• Otero County Prison Facility: 21

4:30 p.m.: David Scrase, the secretary of the New Mexico Department of Human Services, says it appears that the northwest region of New Mexico has peaked in terms of the average number of coronavirus cases reported each day.

4:20 p.m.: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said 134 additional New Mexicans have tested positive for coronavirus, raising the number of cases to 6,317.

There were also seven new coronavirus-related deaths, Lujan Grisham said. She said 283 people have died because of this virus.

Meanwhile, 206 people are hospitalized and 58 of those patients are on ventilators.

Updates for Tuesday, May 19

10:28 p.m.: Health officials on the Navajo Nation are reporting 82 new cases of COVID-19, along with two more deaths related to the disease.

The latest figures brings the total number of cases to 4,153 and raises the death toll to 144, according to the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service, Navajo Epidemiology Center and tribal health organizations.

Tonight's update from the Office of the President and Vice President states that preliminary reports from six health care facilities indicate that approximately 1,001 individuals have recovered from COVID-19.

There have been 26,267 tests administered with 20,200 negative results, according to the release.

The release did not include data for the number of cases in each county that comprises tribal land in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. The last release to list that information was on May 14.

4:10 p.m.: Four elderly Life Care Center of Farmington residents and one Cedar Ridge Inn resident in his 50s were among the six coronavirus-related deaths reported by New Mexico health officials on Tuesday. There have now been 276 fatalities.

State health officials also reported 104 new coronavirus cases, including 34 in San Juan County.

These new cases increased the statewide numbers to 6,192 people who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Total cases by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 1,225
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 31
• Cibola County: 108
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 43
• Doña Ana County: 319
• Eddy County: 17
• Grant County: 16
• Guadalupe County: 19
• Harding County: 1
• Hidalgo County: 1
• Lea County: 18
• Lincoln County: 3
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 8
• McKinley County: 1,987
• Otero County: 8
• Quay County: 5
• Rio Arriba County: 33
• Roosevelt County: 27
• Sandoval County: 498
• San Juan County: 1,408
• San Miguel County: 10
• Santa Fe County: 126
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 49
• Taos County: 22
• Torrance County: 19
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 68

In addition, the New Mexico Department of Health is reporting people detained by federal agencies at the following facilities have tested positive for COVID-19:

• Cibola County Correctional Center: 2
• Otero County Prison Facility: 38
• Otero County Processing Center: 43
• Torrance County Detention Facility: 1

There are also the following number of cases among people held by the New Mexico Corrections Department:

• Central New Mexico Correctional Facility in Valencia County: 1
• Otero County Prison Facility: 21

Of the New Mexicans who have tested positive for the virus, 1,882 have recovered and 204 are hospitalized.

Updates for Monday, May 18

10:58 p.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service, Navajo Epidemiology Center and tribal health organizations report 69 new cases of COVID-19, along with two deaths today.

The total number of positive cases for the disease on the Navajo Nation has reached 4,071 and the death toll is now 142.

"Preliminary reports from six health care facilities indicate that approximately 928 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, with more reports still pending. A total of 25,682 COVID-19 tests have been administered with 19,964 negative results," a press release from the tribe's Office of the President and Vice President stated.

The office has been releasing figures from the three health agencies since the first case was reported in March. In addition to the named agencies, tonight's release included new cases reported by "tribal health organizations" but did not name the organizations.

The release also did not include data for the number of cases in each county that comprises tribal land in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah. The last release to list that information was on May 14.

"The Navajo Nation is testing our citizens at a greater rate per capita than any state in the entire country and that's a major reason why we have high numbers of positive cases," tribal President Jonathan Nez said in the release.

He reminded the public that to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, they need to stay home, washing their hands, practice social distancing and wear personal protection, including face coverings when in public.

The release states the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation in Arizona will have a testing site for COVID-19 at the Tonalea Chapter house from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on May 19.

4:15 p.m.: A San Juan County resident in her 30s with underlying medical conditions who was hospitalized and had tested positive for COVID-19 has died. She was one of five statewide coronavirus-related fatalities that the New Mexico Department of Health reported Monday, raising the death toll to 270 New Mexicans.

State health officials reported an increase of 165 cases of coronavirus, raising the total to 6,096. The new cases include 34 San Juan County residents.

Total cases by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 1,218
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 31
• Cibola County: 103
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 41
• Doña Ana County: 309
• Eddy County: 17
• Grant County: 16
• Guadalupe County: 19
• Harding County: 1
• Hidalgo County: 1
• Lea County: 18
• Lincoln County: 3
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 8
• McKinley County: 1,953
• Otero County: 8
• Quay County: 5
• Rio Arriba County: 33
• Roosevelt County: 27
• Sandoval County: 495
• San Juan County: 1,376
• San Miguel County: 10
• Santa Fe County: 124
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 49
• Taos County: 23
• Torrance County: 18
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 68

In addition, the New Mexico Department of Health is reporting people held by federal agents at the following detention facilities have tested positive for COVID-19:

• Cibola County Correctional Center: 2
• Otero County Prison Facility: 38
• Otero County Processing Center: 43
• Torrance County Detention Facility: 1

There are 21 people at the Otero County Prison Facility who are being held by the New Mexico Department of Corrections who have tested positive for COVID-19.

The Department of Health is reporting 1,796 people who had tested positive for COVID-19 have since recovered and 213 COVID-positive patients are currently hospitalized.

7 a.m.: Health officials on the Navajo Nation on May 17 reported 90 new positive tests for COVID-19, bringing the total case number to 4,002.

No additional deaths were reported, keeping the death toll at 140.

"Preliminary reports from a few health care facilities indicate that approximately 544 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, with more reports still pending," a press release from the tribe's Office of the President and Vice President states.

The office has been releasing information for the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center.

Sunday's update was issued at 9:15 p.m. and did not include data for the number of cases in each county that comprises tribal land in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

Health officials also reported that 24,886 tests for COVID-19 have been administered with 18,380 negative results.

"The Navajo Nation is now engaged in large-scale testing and we are now testing at a greater rate than any other state in the country based on population. Without the weekend lockdowns that we've implemented based on advice from our health care experts, we would be seeing higher numbers," President Jonathan Nez said in the release.

Update for Sunday, May 17

4:37 p.m.: New Mexico health officials today announced 97 additional positive tests for COVID-19 and six more deaths due to the virus. There have been 265 deaths in New Mexico related to COVID-19.

San Juan County logged the most new cases in the state at 32 new infections. One of the six deaths reported today was an elderly county resident who had been hospitalized, the Department of Health stated in a release from the governor’s office.

There are 211 individuals hospitalized in New Mexico for COVID-19 as of today, and 1,755 COVID-19 cases the New Mexico Department of Health lists as recovered.

The most recent cases are:

• 17 new cases in Bernalillo County

• 1 new case in Cibola County

• 1 new case in Curry County

• 12 new cases in Doña Ana County

• 1 new case in Lea County

• 24 new cases in McKinley County

• 5 new cases in Sandoval County

• 32 new cases in San Juan County

• 1 new case in Santa Fe County

• 2 new cases in Valencia County

• 1 new case among federal detainees at the ICE Otero County Processing Center

The Department of Health on Sunday also reported six additional deaths in New Mexico related to COVID-19. Those cases are:

• A female in her 80s from Bernalillo County. The individual was hospitalized and had underlying conditions. The individual was a resident of the Village at Alameda in Albuquerque.

• A male in his 20s from McKinley County.

• A male in his 80s from McKinley County. The individual was hospitalized and had underlying conditions. The individual was a resident of the Red Rocks Care Center in Gallup.

• A female in her 90s from McKinley County. The individual was hospitalized and had underlying conditions. The individual was a resident of the Red Rocks Care Center in Gallup.

• A male in his 50s from Sandoval County. The individual was hospitalized and had underlying conditions.

• A male in his 80s from San Juan County. The individual was hospitalized.

The state release also corrected some previously reported numbers which included “one duplicate in San Juan County, two cases in San Juan County that were determined to be out-of-state residents, and three cases that were not lab confirmed: one in Bernalillo County, one in San Juan County, and one in Otero County.”

With those errors corrected, including the newly reported cases, New Mexico has 5,938 positive tests for COVID-19:

Bernalillo County: 1,210

Catron County: 2

Chaves County: 30

Cibola County: 102

Colfax County: 5

Curry County: 41

Doña Ana County: 294

Eddy County: 17

Grant County: 16

Guadalupe County: 19

Harding County: 1

Lea County: 16

Lincoln County: 3

Los Alamos County: 6

Luna County: 8

McKinley County: 1,888

Otero County: 8

Quay County: 5

Rio Arriba County: 31

Roosevelt County: 26

Sandoval County: 493

San Juan County: 1,344

San Miguel County: 10

Santa Fe County: 123

Sierra County: 1

Socorro County: 49

Taos County: 22

Torrance County: 18

Union County: 3

Valencia County: 66

The state also reported COVID-19 cases among people being detained by federal agencies at these facilities:

Cibola County Correctional Center: 2

Otero County Prison Facility: 35

Otero County Processing Center: 43

Torrance County Detention Facility: 1

Updates for Saturday, May 16, 2020

9:39 p.m.: On Saturday 172 new cases of COVID-19 were reported on the Navajo Nation by the Navajo Department of Health in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service.

“The total number of deaths has reached 140 as of Saturday," according to a release Saturday night from the Office of the President and Vice President. "Preliminary reports from a few health care facilities indicate that approximately 544 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, with more reports still pending,”

The Navajo Nation’s 57-hour weekend lockdown remains in effect until Monday, which includes the closure of all businesses to deter traveling and to keep people home and safe from the COVID-19 virus, the release stated.

“We are seeing a spike in new cases and this is largely due to the aggressive testing that is taking place across the Navajo Nation,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. ‘A series of large scale testing events is helping to identify those who are COVID-19 positive and that’s a good thing. We also have 544 people that have recovered from the virus and that number will grow as we receive more reports.”

Nez urged calm despite the increasing numbers.

“We are testing our people here on the Navajo Nation almost five times greater than the rest of the country,” Nez said. “So let’s not panic or be overly-alarmed by the daily numbers, but let’s be diligent and recognize that we cannot let up now. Please abide by the weekend lockdown and the stay-at-home order that remains in effect seven days a week. We are beating COVID-19 together.” 

4:45 p.m.: A woman in her 50s who had been hospitalized with underlying conditions became the latest victim of COVID-19 in San Juan County on May 16, joining five other people in New Mexico who died from the virus.

A total of 85 county residents have died after becoming ill with COVID-19.

State officials said 208 people were hospitalized in New Mexico on May 16 for COVID-19.

Officials from the New Mexico Department of Health reported 42 new cases of the virus in San Juan County.

Total cases by county include:

Bernalillo County: 1,194

Catron County: 2

Chaves County: 30

Cibola County: 101

Colfax County: 5

Curry County: 40

Dona Ana County: 282

Eddy County: 17

Grant County: 16

Guadalupe County: 19

Harding County: 1

Lea County: 15

Lincoln County: 3

Los Alamos County: 6

Luna County: 8

McKinley County: 1,864

Otero County: 9

Quay County: 5

Rio Arriba County: 31

Roosevelt County: 26

Sandoval County: 488

San Juan County: 1,316

San Miguel County: 10

Santa Fe County: 122

Sierra County: 1

Socorro County: 49

Taos County: 22

Torrance County: 18

Union County: 3

Valencia County: 64

State officials announced May 16 that New Mexico has 5,847 COVID-19 cases, an increase of 186 from a day earlier. Additionally, the state has 259 deaths related to the virus, with six of those occurring since May 15.

A total of 128,574 people have been tested for the virus across New Mexico.

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: 2

Otero County Prison Facility: 35

Otero County Processing Center: 42

Torrance County Detention Facility: 1

Updates for Friday, May 15

8:50 p.m.: Health agencies on the Navajo Nation are reporting 108 more positive cases of COVID-19.

Today's update by the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center brings the total number of cases to 3,740.

No new deaths were reported by the agencies and the death toll remains at 127.

The Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President released the information on behalf of the agencies. The release did not include data for the number of cases in each county that comprises tribal land in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

6:50 p.m.: Casinos on the Navajo Nation will remain closed through June 7, the Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise announced today.

In a press release, the tribal enterprise stated that its board of directors approved extending the closure to adhere with the executive order signed on May 12 by the tribal president, vice president and attorney general.

The executive order extends the tribe's state of emergency and the partial shutdown of the government to June 7.

Northern Edge Casino in Upper Fruitland, Flowing Water Casino in Hogback, Fire Rock Casino near Gallup and Twin Arrows Casino Resort near Flagstaff, Arizona have been closed since March 17 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Board chairman Quincy Natay said the enterprise will continue to pay employees for the duration of the closure.

"With 82% of our staff enrolled members of the Navajo Nation and residing on the nation, we want to make sure our team did not have to face additional hardships as they continue to do their part by staying home and helping flatten the curve," Natay said.

The enterprise will continue to monitor the situation, the release states.

Brian Parrish, interim CEO for the enterprise, said a reopening plan has been prepared and includes "extensive countermeasures so patrons and team members are assured they'll have a safe and sanitary casino, resort experience."

Information about new protocols for the four casinos and the hotel at Twin Arrows will be released within the next two weeks, Parrish said.

4:30 p.m.: Two elderly women who were living at Cedar Ridge Inn have died after contracting the coronavirus. In addition, the New Mexico Department of Health is reporting a San Juan County resident in her 50s is among the coronavirus-related fatalities announced Friday. She was hospitalized and had underlying medical conditions.

San Juan County has now had 84 residents die after contracting COVID-19.

The New Mexico Department of Health reported 37 new cases of the coronavirus in San Juan County on Friday.

Total cases by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 1,180
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 30
• Cibola County: 100
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 36
• Doña Ana County: 270
• Eddy County: 17
• Grant County: 16
• Guadalupe County: 19
• Harding County: 1
• Lea County: 15
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 8
• McKinley County: 1,787
• Otero County: 8
• Quay County: 5
• Rio Arriba County: 30
• Roosevelt County: 14
• Sandoval County: 483
• San Juan County: 1,274
• San Miguel County: 9
• Santa Fe County: 114
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 49
• Taos County: 23
• Torrance County: 18
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 63

According to the Department of Health, the following number of cases have been diagnosed among people being held by federal agencies at these facilities:

• Cibola County Correctional Center: 2
• Otero County Prison Facility: 31
• Otero County Processing Center: 40
• Torrance County Detention Facility: 1

3:10 p.m.: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the state now has 5,662 positive cases of COVID-19, an increase of 164 cases from Thursday.

In addition, 223 people are hospitalized and 49 of those people are on ventilators.

New Mexico has had 253 coronavirus-related deaths, an increase of 11 on Friday.

7:15 a.m.: The Navajo Nation has adjusted the total number of positive COVID-19 cases after a review was completed by the Navajo Epidemiology Center and health care providers this week.

"Due to cross jurisdictional challenges and longer than normal verification processes, an additional 99 previously unreported positive cases were identified and added to the overall total. As a result, the total number of positive COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation has reached 3,632," a press release from the Office of the President and Vice President states.

Also reported were eight additional deaths, raising the death toll to 127

Data provided in the release, which was issued at 11:18 p.m. Thursday, reflects confirmed cases from counties where individuals live on the reservation and in the noncontiguous chapters of Alamo, Ramah and Tóhajiilee.

Cases are reported in the following counties:

• San Juan County, New Mexico: 428
• McKinley County, New Mexico: 928
• Cibola County, New Mexico: 37
• Socorro County, New Mexico: 26
• Sandoval County, New Mexico: 26
• Bernalillo County, New Mexico: 3
• Navajo County, Arizona: 757
• Apache County, Arizona: 948
• Coconino County, Arizona: 353
• San Juan County, Utah: 126

The release also stated that preliminary reports from some health care facilities indicate approximately 515 individuals have recovered from COVID-19 and more cases are pending.

Navajo Area IHS Chief Medical Officer Loretta Christensen explained in response to a question from The Daily Times about the agency's effort to track individuals who have recovered from the disease, that individuals would need to meet criteria outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to be considered recovered.

"It is very encouraging to hear of recovery. However, our epidemiological teams are still very busy following up on positive cases to prevent further exposure and spread. We hope to continue to close out cases as recovered and report them," Christensen said.

The Navajo Department of Health issued a new public health emergency order to place the Navajo Nation on lockdown for 57 hours this weekend.

Unlike previous weekend curfews, all businesses on the reservation will be closed during the lockdown.

However, travel is allowed by essential workers, who must carry official identification or a letter from their employer on official letterhead, and travel by residents must be only in cases of safety, health or medical emergencies.

The lockdown will start at 8 p.m. today and end at 5 a.m. on May 18.

Update for Thursday, May 14

4:15 p.m.: An elderly Life Care Center of Farmington resident was among the 11 coronavirus-related deaths reported by the New Mexico Department of Health on Thursday. There have now been 81 fatalities in San Juan County and 242 statewide.

The county saw an increase of 34 new coronavirus cases and the department of health reported 143 new cases statewide.

The state reported that 5,503 New Mexicans have tested positive for COVID-19 and 1,576 have recovered. As of Thursday, there were 209 New Mexicans hospitalized with the virus.

Total cases by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 1,149
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 30
• Cibola County: 100
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 34
• Doña Ana County: 259
• Eddy County: 17
• Grant County: 16
• Guadalupe County: 17
• Harding County: 1
• Lea County: 15
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 8
• McKinley County: 1,730
• Otero County: 8
• Quay County: 5
• Rio Arriba County: 30
• Roosevelt County: 14
• Sandoval County: 479
• San Juan County: 1,237
• San Miguel County: 7
• Santa Fe County: 113
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 49
• Taos County: 22
• Torrance County: 18
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 60

In addition to those cases, there are detainees who have tested positive for COVID-19 that are being held by federal agents at the following centers:

• Cibola County Correctional Center: 2
• Otero County Prison Facility: 24
• Otero County Processing Center: 39
• Torrance County Detention Facility: 1

Updates for Wednesday, May 13

11:58 p.m.: The building that houses the Navajo Health Command Operations Center was closed today after an employee for the command center tested positive for COVID-19.

The NHCOC is the entity created by the Navajo Department of Health to oversee the daily response to the coronavirus pandemic. The command center is in Administration Building No. 2 in Window Rock, Arizona.

According to a press release the NHCOC issued tonight, the building is closed until further notice and will undergo extensive cleaning and sanitizing.

"The employee is currently recovering at home. After completing a contact tracing investigation, it was determined that the risk of exposure to staff working in the HCOC is minimal," the release states.

Command center staff who were in close contact with the individual were tested for COVID-19 and testing was open to personnel from other departments in the building, according to the release.

In addition to the command center, the building houses offices for the divisions of health, community development and social services. The release did not include the total number of employees currently working in the building.

8:25 p.m.: The Navajo Health Command Operations Center is reporting 16 additional deaths related to COVID-19, raising the death toll for the Navajo Nation to 119.

The update from the center showed 147 new cases, increasing the total to 3,392.

Data provided today reflects confirmed cases from counties where individuals live on the reservation and in the noncontiguous chapters of Alamo, Ramah and Tóhajiilee.

Cases are reported in the following counties:

• San Juan County, New Mexico: 410
• McKinley County, New Mexico: 912
• Cibola County, New Mexico: 37
• Socorro County, New Mexico: 26
• Sandoval County, New Mexico: 26
• Bernalillo County, New Mexico: 3
• Navajo County, Arizona: 697
• Apache County, Arizona: 889
• Coconino County, Arizona: 335
• San Juan County, Utah: 57

There have been 20,928 tests administered with 15,809 negative results, according to the center.

4:30 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health is reporting that 56 of the 155 new cases were San Juan County residents. Five Cedar Ridge Inn residents and two Life Care Center of Farmington were among the 12 new coronavirus-related deaths.

Total cases by county include: 

• Bernalillo County: 1,124
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 30
• Cibola County: 93
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 34
• Doña Ana County: 249
• Eddy County: 14
• Grant County: 15
• Guadalupe County: 17
• Harding County: 1
• Lea County: 15
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 8
• McKinley County: 1,681
• Otero County: 8
• Quay County: 5
• Rio Arriba County: 28
• Roosevelt County: 13
• Sandoval County: 477
• San Juan County: 1,203
• San Miguel County: 7
• Santa Fe County: 113
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 49
• Taos County: 22
• Torrance County: 18
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 59

In addition, there are 38 positive COVID-19 cases among detainees at the Otero County Processing Center, which is run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. There is also one case at the ICE-run detention facility in Torrance County and 21 individuals that are being held by the U.S. Marshals Service at the Otero County Prison Facility have tested positive for COVID-19.

4:10 p.m.: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said there were 155 new cases of coronavirus reported Wednesday, bringing the total number of New Mexicans who have tested positive for COVID-19 to 5,364. Of those people, 200 are currently hospitalized and 52 people are on ventilators. There were also 12 new coronavirus-related deaths.

New Mexico has conducted 115,011 total tests.

9:42 a.m.: The Navajo Nation reported 41 new cases of COVID-19 and one additional death, raising the death toll to 103 on May 12.

The most recent figures were released at 11:54 p.m. yesterday by the tribe's Office of the President and Vice President.

Data provided by the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reflects 3,245 confirmed cases from counties where individuals live on the reservation and in the noncontiguous chapters of Alamo, Ramah and Tóhajiilee.

Cases are reported in the following counties:

• San Juan County, New Mexico: 377
• McKinley County, New Mexico: 867
• Cibola County, New Mexico: 36
• Socorro County, New Mexico: 26
• Sandoval County, New Mexico: 26
• Bernalillo County, New Mexico: 3
• Navajo County, Arizona: 677
• Apache County, Arizona: 846
• Coconino County, Arizona: 332
• San Juan County, Utah: 55

The total number of cases include individuals who have recovered or are in the process of recovering from the new virus, the president's office press release states.

Update for Tuesday, May 12

4:30 p.m.: Three San Juan County residents who had tested positive for COVID-19 have died, increasing the number of coronavirus-related deaths in San Juan County to 74.

The new deaths announced by the New Mexico Department of Health on Tuesday include a man in his 70s, a Cedar Ridge Inn resident in her 80s and a man in his 40s. Two of them were hospitalized and one had underlying medical conditions.

The three San Juan County deaths were among 11 fatalities reported statewide, raising the total to 219.

San Juan County also saw an increase of 42 coronavirus cases, which were part of the 143 additional positive tests reported on Tuesday statewide. The state now has had a total of 5,212 people test positive for COVID-19. Of those people, 1434 have recovered and 199 are currently hospitalized.

Total cases by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 1,111
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 28
• Cibola County: 89
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 32
• Doña Ana County: 245
• Eddy County: 14
• Grant County: 15
• Guadalupe County: 17
• Harding County: 1
• Lea County: 15
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 8
• McKinley County: 1,628
• Otero County: 9
• Quay County: 5
• Rio Arriba County: 28
• Roosevelt County: 12
• Sandoval County: 474
• San Juan County: 1,149
• San Miguel County: 7
• Santa Fe County: 112
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 49
• Taos County: 21
• Torrance County: 18
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 57

In addition, there are 31 cases among people being held at the Otero County Processing Center, which is run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Another ICE-run detention facility in Torrance County has also had one person test positive for COVID-19.

Updates for Monday, May 11

8 p.m.: The number of COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation increased by 82 new cases today, bringing the tally to 3,204.

The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center also report two additional deaths, raising the death toll to 102.

The agencies report the confirmed cases include individuals who have received or are in process of recovering from the new virus.

Data provided by the agencies reflect confirmed cases from counties where individuals live on the reservation and in the noncontiguous chapters of Alamo, Ramah and Tóhajiilee.

Cases are reported in the following counties:

• San Juan County, New Mexico: 374
• McKinley County, New Mexico: 865
• Cibola County, New Mexico: 36
• Socorro County, New Mexico: 26
• Sandoval County, New Mexico: 26
• Bernalillo County, New Mexico: 3
• Navajo County, Arizona: 665
• Apache County, Arizona: 825
• Coconino County, Arizona: 331
• San Juan County, Utah: 53

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer will extend the state of emergency declaration for the tribe and the closure of the executive branch, according to a press release from their office.

The executive order signed last month by two leaders, along with Attorney General Doreen McPaul, is set to end on May 17. Further information about the extension will be announced later.

Nez and Lizer will talk about the $600 million the tribe received under the CARES Act in a town hall meeting at 10 a.m. May 12 on the Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer Facebook page.

4:30 p.m.: San Juan County saw the largest number of new cases in New Mexico on Monday. The New Mexico Department of Health reported 207 new cases of COVID-19, including 73 in San Juan County and 63 in McKinley County. The state also reported eight additional coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the total to 208. None of the eight deaths reported Monday were San Juan County residents.

The state has now had 5,069 people test positive for COVID-19. Of those people, 1,300 have recovered and 207 patients are currently hospitalized.

Total case numbers by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 1,086
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 27
• Cibola County: 86
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 31
• Doña Ana County: 245
• Eddy County: 14
• Grant County: 15
• Guadalupe County: 15
• Harding County: 1
• Lea County: 15
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 8
• McKinley County: 1,585
• Otero County: 12
• Quay County: 4
• Rio Arriba County: 28
• Roosevelt County: 11
• Sandoval County: 467
• San Juan County: 1,107
• San Miguel County: 7
• Santa Fe County: 112
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 49
• Taos County: 20
• Torrance County: 18
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 57

The New Mexico Department of Health is also reporting 30 cases among people being held at the Otero County Processing Center, which is run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

6:44 a.m.: The number of positive cases for COVID-19 for the Navajo Nation climbed past 3,000 on May 10, according to information released by the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center.

"The total number of positive COVID-19 cases for the Navajo Nation has reached 3,122, many of whom have recovered or are in the process of recovering from the virus," a press release from the Office of the President and Vice President stated.

The press release was issued at 10:08 p.m. May 10 and did not include data for the number of cases in each county that comprises tribal land in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

Two additional deaths were reported by the three agencies, bringing the death toll to 100.

"We've lost 100 lives to this virus and we offer our condolences to all of the families who are grieving, and I want you to know that we're working around the clock to fight COVID-19," Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in the release.

The number of tests administered for COVID-19 is 18,153 and 13,665 negative results, according to the release.

Nez said the Navajo Department of Health is working to calculate the number of people who have recovered from the disease.

A press release on May 10 from the Office of the Speaker states that approximately 240 face shields were delivered to the Crownpoint Health Care Facility in Crownpoint and Gallup Indian Medical Center and Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services, both in Gallup.

The donation was sent by General Public, an art company started in 2018 by actress Portia de Rossi that uses 3D technology to sell textured prints.

Updates for Sunday, May 10

4 p.m.: New Mexico Department of Health is reporting 87 new cases of coronavirus, however the Sunday numbers are incomplete due to recurring technical delays, according to a press release.

The new cases bring the state total to 4,863 people who have tested positive for COVID-19.

Among the 87 new cases were 20 San Juan County residents.

Two San Juan County residents were among the nine coronavirus-related deaths. One of the San Juan County residents was a man in his 50s who was hospitalized and had underlying medical conditions. The other was a resident of Cedar Ridge Inn who was in her 80s. She had underlying medical conditions and was also hospitalized. There have been 200 coronavirus-related deaths statewide.

Of the people who have tested positive for COVID-19, 1,285 have recovered and 194 patients are currently hospitalized.

Total cases by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 1,073
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 27
• Cibola County: 86
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 29
• Doña Ana County: 221
• Eddy County: 14
• Grant County: 15
• Guadalupe County: 15
• Harding County: 1
• Lea County: 15
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 7
• McKinley County: 1,522
• Otero County: 8
• Quay County: 4
• Rio Arriba County: 27
• Roosevelt County: 11
• Sandoval County: 458
• San Juan County: 1,034
• San Miguel County: 6
• Santa Fe County: 111
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 48
• Taos County: 20
• Torrance County: 18
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 55

In addition, the Department of Health is reporting 19 cases of COVID-19 at the federal Otero County Processing Center run by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Otero County.

Updates for Saturday, May 9

8:33 p.m.: The number of positive cases for COVID-19 for the Navajo Nation increased by 97 today for a new total of 2,973. There were two more deaths reported, raising the death toll to 98.

A total of 18,055 tests for COVID-19 have been administered and 13,576 negative test results.

Data provided by the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reflects confirmed cases from counties where individuals live on the reservation and in the noncontiguous chapters of Alamo, Ramah and Tóhajiilee.

Cases are reported in the following counties:

• San Juan County, New Mexico: 331
• McKinley County, New Mexico: 808
• Cibola County, New Mexico: 33
• Socorro County, New Mexico: 26
• Sandoval County, New Mexico: 21
• Bernalillo County, New Mexico:  3
• Navajo County, Arizona: 623
• Apache County, Arizona: 762
• Coconino County, Arizona: 312
• San Juan County, Utah: 50

A 57-hour curfew for residents on the Navajo Nation started at 8 p.m. on May 8 and will end at 5 a.m. on May 11.

4:03 p.m.: San Juan County passed 1,000 coronavirus cases on May 9 with five new deaths to report from three different senior living facilities in Farmington, according to data released from the New Mexico Department of Health.

The deaths of three people from the Cedar Ridge Inn in Farmington were reported; a woman in her 80s and a male in his 70s were hospitalized and had underlying medical conditions along with a second man in his 80s.

A woman in her 70s from Wellbrook Transitional Rehabilitation Center and a woman in her 80s from Life Care Center, both of Farmington, died. Both were hospitalized and had underlying medical conditions.

There have been 69 coronavirus-related deaths in the county and 191 in the state.

The department of health further reported 105 new positive cases of coronavirus, raising the number of cases statewide to 4,778. The new cases include 26 in San Juan County.

Of the New Mexicans who have tested positive for COVID-19, 1,268 have recovered and 198 are hospitalized.

Total cases by county include: 

• Bernalillo County: 1,050
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 27
• Cibola County: 86
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 29
• Doña Ana County: 201
• Eddy County: 14
• Grant County: 15
• Guadalupe County: 15
• Harding County: 1
• Lea County: 14
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 7
• McKinley County: 1,508
• Otero County: 7
• Quay County: 4
• Rio Arriba County: 27
• Roosevelt County: 11
• Sandoval County: 452
• San Juan County: 1,015
• San Miguel County: 6
• Santa Fe County: 110
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 48
• Taos County: 20
• Torrance County: 18
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 55

Updates for Friday, May 8

6:46 p.m.: The number of positive cases for COVID-19 for the Navajo Nation increased by 119 today for a new total of 2,876. There were eight more deaths reported, raising the death toll to 96.

A total of 17,858 tests for COVID-19 have been administered and 13,426 negative test results.

Data provided by the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reflects confirmed cases from counties where individuals live on the reservation and in the noncontiguous chapters of Alamo, Ramah and Tóhajiilee.

Cases are reported in the following counties:

• San Juan County, New Mexico: 295
• McKinley County, New Mexico: 787
• Cibola County, New Mexico: 33
• Socorro County, New Mexico: 26
• Sandoval County, New Mexico: 21
• Bernalillo County, New Mexico:  3
• Navajo County, Arizona: 609
• Apache County, Arizona: 739
• Coconino County, Arizona: 314
• San Juan County, Utah: 49

A 57-hour curfew for residents on the Navajo Nation will start at 8 p.m. today.

4:15 p.m.: Two San Juan County men were among the nine coronavirus-related deaths reported by the New Mexico Department of Health on Friday. One man was in his 70s and was hospitalized. He also had underlying medical conditions. The other man was in his 90s.

There have been 64 coronavirus-related deaths in the county and 181 in the state.

The department of health further reported 181 new positive cases of coronavirus, raising the number of cases statewide to 4,673. The new cases include 68 in San Juan County.

Of the New Mexicans who have tested positive for COVID-19, 1,189 have recovered and 201 are hospitalized.

Total cases by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 1,030
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 27
• Cibola County: 85
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 28
• Doña Ana County: 206
• Eddy County: 14
• Grant County: 15
• Guadalupe County: 15
• Harding County: 1
• Lea County: 14
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 7
• McKinley County: 1,460
• Otero County: 15
• Quay County: 4
• Rio Arriba County: 27
• Roosevelt County: 11
• Sandoval County: 451
• San Juan County: 989
• San Miguel County: 5
• Santa Fe County: 110
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 48
• Taos County: 20
• Torrance County: 17
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 55

De Baca County previously had one reported case of coronavirus, but that has been removed from the list after officials determined that individual did not live in De Baca County.

Updates for Thursday, May 7

4:15 p.m.: According to the New Mexico Department of Health, San Juan County has 77 new cases of COVID-19. That was the largest number of new cases reported by any New Mexico county on Thursday. A total of 204 new cases were reported statewide, raising the case count to 4,493. Of those 4,493 positive cases, 1,125 have recovered and 197 patients are currently hospitalized. There have been 172 coronavirus-related deaths in New Mexico, an increase of three from Wednesday.

Total case numbers by county are: 

• Bernalillo County: 1,012
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 26
• Cibola County: 82
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 26
• De Baca County: 1
• Doña Ana County: 197
• Eddy County: 13
• Grant County: 15
• Guadalupe County: 15
• Harding County: 1
• Lea County: 14
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 7
• McKinley County: 1,402
• Otero County: 9
• Quay County: 4
• Rio Arriba County: 26
• Roosevelt County: 11
• Sandoval County: 439
• San Juan County: 921
• San Miguel County: 4
• Santa Fe County: 110
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 48
• Taos County: 20
• Torrance County: 17
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 54

Updates for Wednesday, May 6

8:24 p.m.: The Navajo Nation has added 95 new positive cases of COVID-19 and six additional deaths related to the disease.

The death toll is now at 85, which includes 51 men and 34 women with an average age of 65-years-old, according to the Navajo Health Command Operations Center.

Data provided by the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reflects 2,654 confirmed cases from counties where individuals live on the reservation and in the noncontiguous chapters of Alamo, Ramah and Tóhajiilee.

Cases are reported in the following counties:

• San Juan County, New Mexico: 262
• McKinley County, New Mexico: 736
• Cibola County, New Mexico: 25
• Socorro County, New Mexico: 25
• Sandoval County, New Mexico: 21
• Bernalillo County, New Mexico: 3
• Navajo County, Arizona: 574
• Apache County, Arizona: 656
• Coconino County, Arizona: 306
• San Juan County, Utah: 46

The number of cases consists of 1,237 men and 1,417 women and the average age is 45, according to the command operations center.

There have been 16,280 tests for COVID-19 administered and 12,170 have received negative results, the center reported.

"Approximately 7% of the Navajo Nation populations have been tested, compared to the U.S. who have tested approximately 2% of its population, which may factor to the Navajo Nation's increased cases of COVID-19," the center stated in a press release.

6:52 p.m.: During the fourth weekend where the Navajo Nation was under a 57-hour curfew, the Navajo Police Department issued 274 citations.

The department reports that 223 citations were for violating the curfew and 51 were issued for traffic violations.

"A noticeable increase of traffic on highway 264 between Window Rock, Arizona and Gallup, New Mexico was observed, although a majority were essential workers and out of state travelers who were detoured due to the city of Gallup lockdown," the release states.

Gallup has been closed to non-residents since May 1, after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham authorized consecutive closures due to an outbreak of the coronavirus in the city and McKinley County.

The latest lockdown is scheduled to end at noon on May 7.

The Navajo Nation will start its fifth weekend curfew at 8 p.m. on May 8. It will end at 5 a.m. on May 11.

Individuals who received a criminal nuisance citation for violating the curfew face a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 30 days in jail or both. The tribal courts determine penalties and fines.

For more information about citations, contact the Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor at 505-775-3238

4:20 p.m.: The New Mexico Department of Health is reporting 153 new cases of coronavirus, including 38 in San Juan County. This brings the total number of cases statewide to 4,291. 

Of those people who have tested positive, 1,073 have recovered and 193 are currently hospitalized.

The state also announced seven new coronavirus-related fatalities. These fatalities included residents from Beralillo, McKinley and Santa Fe counties. There have now been 169 deaths statewide.

Total case numbers by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 981
• Catron County: 2
• Chaves County: 25
• Cibola County: 82
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 23
• De Baca County: 1
• Doña Ana County: 180
• Eddy County: 13
• Grant County: 15
• Guadalupe County: 15
• Harding County: 1
• Lea County: 1
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 7
• McKinley County: 1,337
• Otero County: 9
• Quay County: 4
• Rio Arriba County: 24
• Roosevelt County: 11
• Sandoval County: 432
• San Juan County: 844
• San Miguel County: 4
• Santa Fe County: 110
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 48
• Taos County: 20
• Torrance County: 17
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 55

Updates for Tuesday, May 5

9:15 p.m.: Health agencies on the Navajo Nation are reporting six more deaths related to COVID-19, increasing the death toll to 79.

Also reported were 85 new cases, raising the total number of individuals who have tested positive for the disease to 2,559.

Data provided by the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reflects confirmed cases from counties where individuals live on the reservation and in the noncontiguous chapters of Alamo, Ramah and Tóhajiilee.

Cases are reported in the following counties:

• San Juan County, New Mexico: 261
• McKinley County, New Mexico: 705
• Cibola County, New Mexico: 25
• Socorro County, New Mexico: 25
• Sandoval County, New Mexico: 21
• Bernalillo County, New Mexico: 3
• Navajo County, Arizona: 556
• Apache County, Arizona: 622
• Coconino County, Arizona: 296
• San Juan County, Utah: 45

There have been 15,651 tests administered with 11,609 returning negative results.

The Arizona Republic reported today President Donald Trump announced during his visit to Arizona that the Navajo Nation will receive more than $600 million from the $8 billion approved for tribal governments to address the coronavirus outbreak under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.

"Today, the federal government announced that they intend to release a portion of funds appropriated by Congress over one month ago to tribes to help fight COVID-19, but I'll believe it when I see it. We've had to file a lawsuit to get what states received weeks ago," Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said in a press release.

3:40 p.m.: Half of the six coronavirus-related fatalities announced Tuesday were San Juan County residents. Two of them were Cedar Ridge Inn residents and another was a woman in her 80s who was hospitalized and had underlying medical conditions.

San Juan County had 25 new cases of coronavirus on Tuesday and McKinley County had 43 new cases.

Total cases by county include:

• Bernalillo County: 963
• Catron County: 1
• Chaves County: 25
• Cibola County: 74
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 20
• De Baca County: 1
• Doña Ana County: 173
• Eddy County: 13
• Grant County: 15
• Guadalupe County: 15
• Harding County: 1
• Lea County: 12
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 7
• McKinley County: 1,274
• Otero County: 8
• Quay County: 4
• Rio Arriba County: 24
• Roosevelt County: 10
• Sandoval County: 426
• San Juan County: 806
• San Miguel County: 3
• Santa Fe County: 108
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 48
• Taos County: 20
• Torrance County: 17
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 53

3:10 p.m.: Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said there are now 4,138 cases. She hosted a Facebook Live video. During the video, Lujan Grisham announced 107 new cases. There are 178 people hospitalized who have tested positive for COVID-19 and 48 of those patients are on ventilators. She also announced six new coronavirus-related deaths, raising the total to 162. 

3 p.m.: Several Farmington-area churches are gathering cleaning supplies to take to Navajo Nation communities, according to a video posted to the City of Farmington Facebook page.

In the video, Mayor Nate Duckett said seven churches are collecting items on May 6. The churches include:

• Oasis Church: 1 to 3 p.m. 
• Grace Baptist Church: Before noon
• Day 3 Church: 1 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
• Calvary Chapel: By 4 p.m. 
• First Presbyterian Church: By 4 p.m.
• Sacred Heart Catholic Church: By 4:30 p.m.
• Pinon Hills Church: Through Friday

9:46 a.m.: The Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reported 101 new cases for COVID-19 on May 4.

The latest figure brings the total number of positive cases for the Navajo Nation to 2,474.

No additional deaths were reported on May 4, and the death toll remains at 73.

The report was issued late Monday night by the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President, which noted that there was no update issued on May 3.

The release also did not have a break down for the number of cases in each county that is part of tribal land in New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

However, the release stated that a total of 14,351 tests have been administered with 9,254 returning negative results.

Updates for Monday, May 4

4:15 p.m.: A San Juan County man in his 60s who had underlying medical conditions is among the five coronavirus-related deaths the New Mexico Department of Health reported Monday. The five deaths raised the number of fatalities to 156 in New Mexico, including 57 in San Juan County.

The state is also reporting 186 new cases of coronavirus, including 47 in San Juan County. It has revised the previously-reported case numbers after determining one of the cases reported in San Juan County was an out-of-state resident and another was a duplicate, according to a press release from the governor's office. 

There have been 4,031 New Mexicans test positive for COVID-19. Of those, 842 patients have recovered and 181 are hospitalized.

Total cases by county include: 

• Bernalillo County: 944
• Catron County: 1
• Chaves County: 24
• Cibola County: 69
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 19
• De Baca County: 1
• Doña Ana County: 170
• Eddy County: 13
• Grant County: 15
• Guadalupe County: 15
• Harding County: 1
• Lea County: 12
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 7
• McKinley County: 1,233
• Otero County: 8
• Quay County: 4
• Rio Arriba County: 24
• Roosevelt County: 10
• Sandoval County: 421
• San Juan County: 781
• San Miguel County: 2
• Santa Fe County: 108
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 46
• Taos County: 20
• Torrance County: 16
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 50

Updates for Sunday, May 3

5:24 p.m.: Health officials reported 12 more coronavirus-related deaths in New Mexico on Sunday, pushing the state total to 152, the Associated Press reported.

They also said New Mexico had 118 new positive COVID-19 tests since Saturday’s numbers were announced, increasing the state total to 3,850 cases.

Due to a technical lapse, reporting results from some labs to the state Department of Health were delayed Sunday.

As a result, the data reflects only a partial total and the delayed results will be included in the state’s reporting Monday as soon as they are received and lab-confirmed.

Of the 12 reported deaths, five were elderly residents of a Farmington life care center and four of them were women. All five had underlying medical conditions. Those cases are:

•    A male in his 60s from Bernalillo County. The individual was hospitalized and had underlying medical conditions. 

•    A female in her 80s from Bernalillo County. The individual was hospitalized and had underlying medical conditions. She was a resident of the Village at Alameda in Albuquerque.

•    A female in her 50s from McKinley County. The individual was hospitalized and had underlying medical conditions.

•    A male in his 50s from Sandoval County. The individual was hospitalized and had underlying medical conditions. 

•    A male in his 70s from Sandoval County. The individual was hospitalized and had underlying medical conditions. 

•    A male in his 50s from San Juan County. The individual was hospitalized.

•    A male in his 90s from San Juan County. The individual had underlying medical conditions and was a resident of the Life Care Center of Farmington in Farmington.

•    A female in her 90s from San Juan County. The individual had underlying medical conditions and was a resident of the Life Care Center of Farmington in Farmington.

•    A female in her 80s from San Juan County. The individual had underlying medical conditions and was a resident of the Life Care Center of Farmington in Farmington.

•    Another female in her 80s from San Juan County. The individual had underlying medical conditions and was a resident of the Life Care Center of Farmington in Farmington.

•    A female in her 70s from San Juan County. The individual had underlying medical conditions and was a resident of the Life Care Center of Farmington in Farmington.

•    A female in her 60s from Valencia County. The individual was hospitalized and had underlying medical conditions.

There are 164 individuals hospitalized in New Mexico for COVID-19. There are 832 COVID-19 cases designated as having recovered by the New Mexico Department of Health, according to a release from the department.

Authorities say there were two deaths reported in Bernalillo and Sandoval counties and one in McKinley, San Juan and Valencia counties.

Of the 3,850 coronavirus cases statewide, authorities say 1,144 have been in McKinley County and 920 in Bernalillo County, the state’s most populous that includes the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico has now had a total of 3,850 positive tests for COVID-19:

Bernalillo County: 920

Catron County: 1

Chaves County: 23

Cibola County: 68

Colfax County: 5

Curry County: 18

Doña Ana County: 159

Eddy County: 13

Grant County: 16

Guadalupe County: 15

Harding County: 1

Lea County: 12

Lincoln County: 2

Los Alamos County: 6

Luna County: 7

McKinley County: 1,144

Otero County: 6

Quay County: 4

Rio Arriba County: 24

Roosevelt County: 10

Sandoval County: 416

San Juan County: 736

San Miguel County: 2

Santa Fe County: 107

Sierra County: 1

Socorro County: 45

Taos County: 20

Torrance County: 16

Union County: 3

Valencia County: 50

9 a.m.: Health care officials on the Navajo Nation reported late Saturday 81 new positive cases for COVID-19 among individuals who live on the tribal land.

The new cases take the total to 2,292 and with no new deaths reported, the death toll remains at 73.

The Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President explained in a press release issued at 10:59 p.m. on May 2, that the Navajo Epidemiology Center reported that after further review, 15 cases were duplicated in a previous overall count.

"Therefore, the total of positive cases was reduced by 15, bringing the overall total of positive COVID-19 cases to 2,292," the release stated.

The press release did not include data for the number of cases in each county that comprises the reservation.

The tribe's president and vice president finalized an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to authorize the Chinle Community Center in Chinle, Arizona for use as an alternate case site to isolate patients diagnosed with COVID-19, the release states.

Last week, the two leaders visited and signed off on an alternate care site at Northwest High School in Shiprock.

The Navajo Nation continues its 57-hour curfew for the weekend. It is scheduled to end at 5 a.m. on May 4.

Updates for Saturday, May 2

4:15 p.m.: Three more Cedar Ridge Inn residents who tested positive for COVID-19 have died, including two women in their 80s and one man in his 90s. One of the women was hospitalized and had underlying medical conditions.

They were among the eight coronavirus-related deaths reported Saturday by the New Mexico Department of Health, bringing the number of fatalities statewide to 139. There have been 51 coronavirus-related deaths in San Juan County.

Cedar Ridge Inn in Farmington is one of seven San Juan County congregate living facilities with documented cases of coronavirus. The other facilities include:

• Life Care Center of Farmington
• Namaste House Assisted Living 
• Tungland Corporation
• Aztec Health Care
• Beehive Homes
• Welbrook Rehabilitation Center

The state reported 220 new cases of the virus, including 73 in San Juan County.

As of Saturday, 3,732 New Mexicans have tested positive for COVID-19 and 812 of them have recovered.

The total number of cases by county are:

• Bernalillo County: 883
• Catron County: 1
• Chaves County: 23
• Cibola County: 63
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 18
• Doña Ana County: 153
• Eddy County: 13
• Grant County: 15
• Guadalupe County: 14
• Harding County: 1
• Lea County: 12
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 6
• McKinley County: 1116
• Otero County: 6
• Quay County: 4
• Rio Arriba County: 22
• Roosevelt County: 9
• Sandoval County: 410
• San Juan County: 710
• San Miguel County: 2
• Santa Fe County: 107
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 43
• Taos County: 19
• Torrance County: 16
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 49

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is reporting 63 cases in La Plata County, Colorado, and 16 cases in Montezuma County, Colorado.

San Juan County, Utah, has 78 people who have tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Utah Department of Health. Of those 78 people, there are 10 hospitalizations.

Arizona Department of Health Services is reporting 507 cases in Apache County and 766 cases in Navajo County.

Updates for Friday, May 1

10:27 p.m.: The number of positive cases for COVID-19 on the Navajo Nation climbed by 166, bringing the total amount to 2,307.

Two additional deaths were reported, increasing the death toll to 73.

Data provided by the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Area Indian Health Service and Navajo Epidemiology Center reflects confirmed cases from counties where individuals live on the reservation and in the noncontiguous chapters of Alamo, Ramah and Tóhajiilee.

Cases are reported in the following counties:

• San Juan County, New Mexico: 245
• McKinley County, New Mexico: 617
• Cibola County, New Mexico: 22
• Socorro County, New Mexico: 23
• Sandoval County, New Mexico: 21
• Navajo County, Arizona: 513
• Apache County, Arizona: 538
• Coconino County, Arizona: 286
• San Juan County, Utah: 42

The Navajo Health Command Operations Center reminds the public that the reservation is under a 57-hour curfew for the weekend. Navajo police officers will conduct checkpoints and issue citations for violating the curfew.

4:45 p.m.: A Life Care Center of Farmington resident and a Cedar Ridge Inn of Farmington resident were among the eight coronavirus-related deaths reported by the New Mexico Department of Health on Friday. 

The Life Care Center resident was a woman in her 80s and the Cedar Ridge Inn resident was a woman in her 90s. Both women had underlying medical conditions and were hospitalized.

Stay up-to-date with the latest coronavirus news:

• Wife, mother remember Farmington man who died from coronavirus
• Navajo Nation weekend curfew quiets activity in Shiprock
• 2 Farmington nursing home residents, 7 employees test positive for coronavirus

The department of health reported 104 new cases of coronavirus, including 16 in San Juan County.

Seven congregate living and acute care facilities in San Juan County have reported cases in residents and/or staff.  

There are now 3,513 positive cases in New Mexico. Total numbers by county are: 

• Bernalillo County: 830
• Catron County: 1
• Chaves County: 23
• Cibola County: 63
• Colfax County: 5
• Curry County: 17
• Doña Ana County: 147
• Eddy County: 12
• Grant County: 14
• Guadalupe County: 14
• Harding County: 1
• Lea County: 10
• Lincoln County: 2
• Los Alamos County: 6
• Luna County: 5
• McKinley County: 1064
• Otero County: 5
• Quay County: 4
• Rio Arriba County: 18
• Roosevelt County: 9
• Sandoval County: 396
• San Juan County: 637
• San Miguel County: 2
• Santa Fe County: 100
• Sierra County: 1
• Socorro County: 43
• Taos County: 19
• Torrance County: 15
• Union County: 3
• Valencia County: 47

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