By L. Parsons Last week, Navajo County Public Health Director Jeff Lee updated the Board of Supervisors on his concerns regarding the COVID pandemic. “Over the past week or so, Arizona has seen a rise in new cases each day. This is only one piece of the puzzle; we need to know how this increase is affecting our healthcare system.” While Governor Doug Ducey stated in a press conference last week that hospitals are now ready to meet the needs of more patients, Health Director Cara Christ told Arizona hospitals to activate their coronavirus emergency plans. The department has reported a 115 percent increase in positive COVID-19 tests since the stay at home orders were lifted on May 15, something that Ducey credits to the increase in testing. Lee acknowledged that increased testing may be a contributing factor but noted, “We can see the percentage of hospital visits related to COVID symptoms is rising again. What this is telling us, is that the risk of exposure remains very high in our state. Our healthcare partners still have capacity, yes, but if we continue this trend, that could become an issue. We are trending in the wrong direction.” As of June 11, cases on the Navajo Nation have increased exponentially as well. There were 6,378 positive cases reported in the Navajo Nation, a sovereignty that expands between Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The Nation has also experienced 103 new deaths last week. Of the over 6,378 positive cases, 140 of them have come from the Winslow service unit. That does not mean the patients reside in Winslow, but that they are tested, diagnosed or treated in the Winslow area. Navajo County numbers increased to 2,512 positive test results last week, 286 of those are off tribal lands and the Arizona Department of Health Services reported six new cases in 24 hours. Lee emphasized the need to continue taking precautions. “Please stay home if you are feeling sick, wash your hands, practice physical distancing and wear face coverings, it is the best way to stop the upward trend.” The county continues to provide updates on the COVID-19 situation at their website, www.navajocountyaz.gov.
