As CNN notes, the Navajo Nation has very strict stay-at-home orders that mandate residents to stay indoors unless they're an essential worker or are experiencing an emergency.

In an interview with CNN, Nez said one of the main contributing factors for the spread of the disease through the Nation stems from multiple generations of a family living in one home.

"When one person gets [coronavirus], goes home, they turn to infect the rest of the family," Nez explained.

Many people also don't have running water, which keeps them from washing their hands — one of the key ways to help stop the spread of the virus.

In his statement on Tuesday, Nez said approximately 928 people have recovered from coronavirus in the Navajo Nation so far, with other reports still pending. A total of 25,682 tests have been administered with 19,964 negative results, he added.

But Nez and Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer are doing their best to remain optimistic for the future.

“The number of recoveries is increasing, and that gives us hope and strength to keep moving forward," Nez said. "As Navajo people, we have overcome many adversities and we will overcome this as well.”

“With every passing day, we are a day closer to beating [coronavirus]," added Lizer in a statement. "Whether we realize it or not we are winning the war on this virus, but we have to stay the course when it comes to staying home as much as possible… Please continue to pray for our Nation, first responders, health care workers, essential employees, and many others."

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