The Covid-19 Dashboard shows we have reached 700 deaths on the Navajo Nation from this virus pandemic. Everybody on the reservation either knows someone who has or had Covid, or someone who passed from it, or both. The virus seems to be affecting retirement-age people the most. We are losing people in theirs 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. There is hope with the vaccine, but has not been tested long term. The health authorities are saying that people are getting the virus by restaurants and bars (indoors) and on the reservation, by visiting and gatherings. They say that this second wave was caused by family gatherings from the Thanksgiving holidays. Many families enjoyed their last turkey together. Many of our people have FOMO (fear of missing out) syndrome. They get lonely and get their fix with company and visiting with others. This is how the virus is spreading. Another cause of the silent spread is the pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic people who go around others. These people don’t show signs of being sick so many of the 711 made the fatal mistake of thinking that they were safe. They are gone now and we have to continue on. It is a hard time, so the best way to stay safe now is to stay home, avoid public places, especially indoor public places, and no visiting. Remember to wear your mask and keep cleaning your hands and cell phones.
