I’ve lived in the 4-Corner area in the past, and now live close to the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma. Both tribes are about the same in population, yet the Cherokees are having less a problem with Covid than the Navajos.
It is in both nations but the Navajos are being hit hard!
I don’t know about the Cherokee, or whether there’s a genetic issue with the Nasavajo and Covid, but I do know the Navajo are very social, so distancing is difficult, they have very little water, often driving two hours just to get it, and therefore sanitation is difficult.
On top of that, their diet is often poor, and they have a high rate of diabetes and obesity. It is not a surprise that they have such a high rate of infection.
And one other factor—The Walmart in Gallu;p is supposedly the busiest in america—it is one of the only places to shop for many things on the whole reservation, and a great many people congregate there to shop at the same time when the Government checks come in.