The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has released a health update regarding COVID-19.  We continue to work with our local entities, counties, tribes, regions and state officials to address COVID-19. It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, and CDC recommends getting vaccinated, taking everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.  Key information has been provided as the following:

Key information:

• Colorado has two cases of COVID-19.
• There is one positive case of COVID-19 in Summit County. There was no information provided for the second case at this time.
• The case is in an out-of-state visitor to Summit County, a male in his 30s.
• There are no cases of COVID-19 in our jurisdiction (Archuleta, La Plata counties)
• The case had known exposure to the virus through close contact with a person with COVID-19 outside of Colorado.
• Because testing was conducted at the state level, the case is a “presumptive positive,” and will be sent to the CDC for official confirmation.

• The state is acting on all “presumptive positive” cases as if they were confirmed because a quick response is essential to minimize the spread of the virus.
• Public health practitioners are investigating and will attempt to notify anyone else who may have been exposed because of this case.
• State of Colorado has engaged their emergency response plan, and will continue testing anyone in the chain of contact with the presumptive cases will be tested
• All non-essential travel is currently suspended for the tribal government.
• As the situation is evolving quickly, SJBPH is monitoring the outbreak very closely sharing guidance and educating community partners
• Preparing emergency response plans to be utilized if needed in the future in collaboration with the tribal government.

• The best COVID-19 prevention still includes:
  • Wash your hands thoroughly
  • Stay away from sick people
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Stay home if you’re sick; keep your children home if they are sick. The illness can last for many days so make preparations now to work from home if possible.
  • We advise Coloradans to always be prepared for an emergency– like a large snowstorm– and have a plan for your family.  Make sure to have 72 hours of key supplies on hand like medications, infant formula, diapers, pet food, etc. FEMA guidance for pre-pandemic COVID-19 preparedness is available on Ready.gov.
  • Stay informed with reliable, up-to-date information. People who have general questions about coronavirus disease 2019, can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911 or email  COHELP@RMPDC.org, for answers in English and Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话), and more.

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s Incident Command Team continues to monitor the situation closely with CPHE, SJBH and our local health care entities.  The risk to the general population continues to be low and we encourage the public to remain calm. If you are feeling ill, please do not show up to the doctor or the emergency room unannounced. It is recommended that you call ahead to discuss your symptoms or concerns. If a person meets the criteria for testing, this can be done outside of the medical facility. If you have questions or are concerned with your current health status, please contact your primary health care provider or the Southern Ute Health Center at (970) 563-4581 to speak with a Health Care Professional.