By Associated Press - Tuesday, May 26, 2020

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz (AP) - Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said Tuesday that recent data indicates the coronavirus peak for hospitalizations on the vast reservation occurred from April 21-26, a month earlier than initial projections

During a live online town hall, Nez said initial projections showed the Navajo Nation’s COVID-19 surge peak would begin the week of May 24.

Nez said implementing stay-at-home orders and weekend curfews have helped “flatten the curve in certain areas and we are working hard to make sure the daily numbers begin to decrease consistently.”

The Navajo Department of Health reported 48 new cases of COVID-19 and one more death Tuesday. That pushed the numbers to 4,842 cases and 158 known deaths.

Tribal officials also said preliminary reports from eight health care facilities indicate about 1,491 people have recovered from COVID-19 with more reports still pending.

Nez said nearly 15% of tribal members have been tested so far.

The Navajo Nation stretches into northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico and southeastern Utah.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

But for some - especially older adults and people with existing health problems - it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

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