Southern Ute Indian Reservation – The Southern Ute Indian Tribe confirmed the first COVID-19 positive case among the tribal membership. The first positive case comes after almost 6 months of the tribal ‘Stay at Home’ Order. The Tribal Council and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Incident Management Team (IMT) issued and continues to maintain the public health orders taking the utmost caution to protect the tribal community. The stringent approach to the pandemic has prevented an outbreak in the tribal community.
The individual who has tested positive does not reside on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation and the IMT does not believe the tribal community is at risk for transmission. The Tribe and the IMT believe the situation to be contained. We remain cautiously optimistic that we will be able to keep our membership safe, but please be aware that cases in the area are on the rise, including at Fort Lewis College and on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation. Please keep our sister Tribe and other neighbors in your thoughts and prayers.
The positive case comes as the Tribe hold the third Voluntary Drive-thru Viral Testing event. The event is open to the tribal membership, tribal staff, Ute Mountain Ute and Ute Indian Tribe tribal membership, and local community. The ‘Stay at Home’ Order and public health order requiring the use of face coverings remain in effect.
If you are sick, please self-isolate. If your symptoms begin to worsen, please call your primary healthcare provider or the Southern Ute Health Center at 970.563.4581. Do not arrive at your primary healthcare provider’s office without calling to notify the professionals of your symptoms. If you have questions, please contact the Southern Ute Indian Tribe COVID-19 Call Center at 970.563.0214. The Call Center hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Please continue to practice good hygiene by washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Cough and sneeze into the bend of your elbow or in a tissue, then throw the tissue away. Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects in your home. As a reminder, please stay home and only leave for essential activities. When you must leave your home, continue to practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others. Stay connected with your loved ones and our tribal elders.