Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in La Plata and Archuleta Counties. Currently there are 11 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Colorado.

People who are ill or believe they may have been exposed to the virus should not go to their Health Care Facility.

Instead, if you have symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath and you have been in contact with someone confirmed to have novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), or if you have recently traveled to parts of the world with high COVID-19 infection rates such as China, Italy, and South Korea, you should call your doctor to receive further instruction and to assess if you meet criteria for testing.

Here are some important numbers for you to have.

· SUHC 970-563-4581 Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:30pm. If you have questions or concerns after hours, you can call the same number and the answering service will assist you. If this is an emergency, call 911.

· Mercy Medical Center’s Emergency Room is requesting that patients who believe that they may have COVID-19, should call the emergency room directly at 970-764-2100.

Protecting yourself and others from COVID-19

There is no vaccine for COVID-19, but there are many actions you can take to protect yourself from getting COVID-19. These are the same actions that can protect you from getting any respiratory illness.

· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

· Stay home when you are sick, and keep your children at home when they are sick.

· Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

· Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

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.