Citing the recommendations of various public health experts regarding the virus known as COVID-19, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe today announced that it would close all of Sky Ute Casino Resort’s operations including the hotel and its restaurant, Willows Café Bistro. The temporary closure of the hotel and restaurant begins March 23, 2020, at 3PM Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).

“As always the health and wellbeing of our guests, employees and community is of utmost importance,” says Chairman, Christine Sage, of The Southern Ute Indian Tribe. “In an effort to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, this is the appropriate decision at this time.”

The temporary closure applies to all Sky Ute Casino Resort operations and amenities: Casino, Hotel, Willows Café Bistro, Seven Rivers Steak Seafood Spirits, Shining Mountain Café, Rolling Thunder Grill, Seven Rivers Bingo Hall, and Rolling Thunder Lanes.

Tribal leaders will monitor developments regarding the virus to assess the exact reopening date.

“Although there have been no known cases of COVID-19 at Sky Ute Casino Resort or the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, we are suspending all operations to promote the social distancing practice recommended by public health officials,” continues Chairman Sage, “Our continued best wishes are with those directly affected by this virus.”

This information is being released in conjunction with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Incident Management Team Public Information Officer (PIO), Ms. Amy Barry.

About the Southern Ute Indian Tribe: The Southern Ute Indian Tribe is located on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation in Southwest Colorado. The reservation land area covers 1,058.785 square miles in three counties (La Plata, Archuleta and Montezuma). Tribal Council headquarters are located on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The reservation is home to the Sky Ute Casino and Resort, and the Southern Ute Museum and Cultural Center.