Tuba City Regional Health Care warns of possible third wave of COVID-19 cases

Hospital reports increase in cases over the last month; asks public to remain vigilent

TUBA CITY, Ariz. — Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp. recently reported an increase in new COVID-19 cases in the last month after a major decline in cases over the last few months.

Anathea Edleman, public health director at the hospital, said the pandemic is not over yet.

“We highly encourage people who may have been exposed, who have recently gathered or visited with people outside [of] their home or who have symptoms to get tested,” she said.

Edelman said mask wearing for all, with isolation and quarantine of those who are sick or have been exposed are still the best ways to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“Please help us avoid a third wave. Remember, we don’t get to travel freely, take our masks off and gather together until nearly everyone around us is vaccinated too,” she said. “The best way to protect yourself, your family and your community is to get vaccinated.”

Edleman explained Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp. and Sacred Peaks Health Center have three safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for the public, which they offer at convenient times and locations.

“Until mid-May, we will be traveling to all of the outlying communities to provide first or second doses of Pfizer vaccine for any enrolled member of any tribe at least 16-years-old,” she said. “TCRHCC will continue to assess how well we are able to reach members of each of our communities and work hard to ensure everyone we serve is able to get vaccinated.”

A drive-thru vaccine event schedule is available at www.tchealth.org. Appointments are available for Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines throughout the month at convenient times at TCRHCC main campus and at Sacred Peaks Health Center. Those who choose the Pfizer and Moderna require two doses. For those who may have missed their second dose, they should call (928) 283-1505 to schedule and appointment.

COVID-19 testing is available at the main campus in Tuba City at the outdoor tent from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Testing is also available at Sacred Peaks Health Center in Flagstaff from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and at the Lechee Health Facility from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Edleman explained if individuals with COVID-19 symptoms need testing outside of the available hours, they can go to the emergency room at Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp.

To schedule a vaccine appointment at Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp. or to find out more information about upcoming mobile vaccine events, call (928) 283-1505.