The Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s most important resource is the enrolled Southern Ute tribal members and without its members the Tribe would not exist. On Wednesday, March 25, 2020 the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council in collaboration with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Incident Management Team (IMT) issued the “Stay at Home” Order prioritizing the health and safety of the Tribal Elders, high-risk and immune-compromised members, youth and the entire tribal membership.

At the beginning of the pandemic, the IMT furiously worked to purchase and collect personal protective equipment (PPE), testing kits, and funding to adequately respond to the coronavirus outbreak and to prepare for the unknown events in the coming weeks. The IMT developed an agreement with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to mobilize a team of qualified health professionals with resources, testing kits, and PPE to conduct free, voluntary drive-thru viral testing for enrolled Southern Ute tribal members and immediate family members.

A viral test will be conducted to determine individuals who are currently infected with the coronavirus. This is very different from the anti-body testing which will not be conducted at this time. The viral test will help determine how wide-spread the virus is, identify hot-spots within our community, and aide in the tribal priority of keeping our tribal member safe.  Approximately 2,000 tests will be conducted over a 3-day period. Tests are not mandatory, but voluntary for those who wish to have a test performed. Tribal Members and immediate household members (including non-enrolled tribal members) can elect to have the test performed.

Tribal Members are encouraged to wear face masks when participating in the viral drive-thru test administration.

Drive-thru viral testing will be performed throughout three days, beginning on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 beginning at 8:00 a.m. in the Sky Ute Casino Resort overflow parking lot (between the Sky Ute Casino Resort and the TERO building). Please see the attached map detailing the testing area and testing process, identifies the entrances, check-in, testing tents where viral test swabs will be collected, and exit.

For maximum efficiency, the IMT has developed a testing schedule modeling the schedule used during both  Spring and Fall Cleanup. Further, tribal residential areas have been identified  by approximate household size and number of approximate daily testing capabilities.

For example: Tribal Members residing in Cedar Point East, West, and Townhomes will test on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Tribal Elders and tribal members with vulnerabilities are eligible for voluntary testing priority daily from 8:00 9:00 a.m.

If you are unable to be tested on the date identified in the schedule, please contact the Southern Ute Health Center to schedule an appointment to be tested. To schedule an appointment, please call 970.563.4581.

All individuals who are electing to be tested are required to complete a mandatory Testing and Demographics Release form. Parents and Guardians must complete a form for all children in the household. Forms are available on social media, tribal website, Tribal Member Portal, and at the entrance of the drive-thru testing. Tribal Information Services will be at the Check-In station verifying enrollment. Please bring your completed form to expedite the testing process.

Tribal Elders and tribal members who are immobilized or unable to drive to the drive-thru testing location may dispatch assistance by calling the Southern Ute Indian Tribe COVID-19 Call Center at 970.563.0214 to arrange for transportation.

The viral testing will be available to the tribal membership on June 9-11, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.. Priority will be given to Tribal Elders and tribal members with self-diagnosed vulnerabilities the first hour of each day from 8:00 until 9:00 a.m.. Please see the viral testing procedures below:

1. Entrance to the drive-thru testing area is accessible from both Colorado Highway 172 and County Road 517. Follow cones that will be placed for traffic control. Tribal members are required to stay inside their vehicles.
2. Testing and Demographics Release form are required to be completed for every individual electing to receive the viral test. If you require time to complete the form, please notify staff immediately.
3. Vehicles will be instructed to follow the serpentine traffic control marked using traffic cones then into one of three testing lanes as directed by staff.
4. Staff will direct tribal members to place their vehicles in park, collect Testing and Demographics Release form and perform viral test on each individual requesting to be tested.
5. Staff will direct tribal members to exit the testing area upon completion. Vehicles should exit the overflow parking lot and drive south on Ouray Drive between the Southern Ute Museum and Justice & Regulatory Building to County Road 517.

Follow-up results will only be provided to individuals who have tested positive. Test results are available within 5-7 days. Tribal Members who do not hear a response, should assume the results of their viral test were negative. If your viral test returns a positive result, you will receive a follow-up call from a healthcare professional with the Southern Ute Health Center staff with recommendations for care.

We would like to reiterate that the viral tests are voluntary and available to enrolled Southern Ute tribal members and their immediate family member (including those who are not enrolled). Please bring your completed Testing and Demographics Release form on the day of testing. If you do not have a Testing and Demographics Release form prior to arrival at the testing area, one will be provided to you at the Check-In station.  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.

Tribal Members who are unable to participate in the voluntary drive-thru viral testing June 9-11, 2020, may have the test performed at the Southern Ute Health Center. To schedule an appointment with the health center, please call 970.563.4581.

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 health care provider office without calling to notify the professionals of your symptoms.

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, the Tribal “Stay at Home” Order remains in effect until further notice. Please stay home only leaving for essential activities. When you must leave your home, wear a face mask, continue to practice social distancing staying 6 feet away from others. Stay connected with your loved ones and our tribal elders.

20200603 – SUIT COVID-19 Test and Demo Release Form

AAOS – HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices – 2013

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Southern Ute Indian Tribe Incident Management Team (IMT) Disease Control Level

Southern Ute Health Center COVID-19 Testing Tent Procedures

All patients who have any type of respiratory illness will be seen in the tent erected behind the health clinic. THIS IS NOT A DRIVE-THRU FACILITY.

There will be no walk-in appointments. Please call for an appointment at 970.563.4581. Clinic hours are 7:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

March 11, 2020

As the number of positive cases around the Nation and the State of Colorado continues to grow, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the State of Colorado, and local public health agencies are working to limit and slow the potential spread of this disease, and all Coloradans can help. We advise you to stay informed with reliable sources of information and take everyday actions to protect yourself and share accurate information with family, neighbors, friends and co-workers, especially those who may have difficulty receiving or understanding the information. The following information is recommended protocol by the CDC as stated:

Promote a household plan of action such as the following:

• Talk with the people who need to be included in your plan.
• Plan ways to care for those who might be at greater risk for serious complications
• Get to know your neighbors.
• Identify aid organizations in your community.
• Create an emergency contact list.

Promote good personal hygiene and health habits for home-based action such as the following:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you have the following symptoms: fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, or use your inner elbow or sleeve.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.
  • If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent and water prior to disinfection. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection of products
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• 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 a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

Choose a room in your home that can be used to separate sick household members from those who are healthy.  Learn about the emergency operations plan at your child’s school or childcare facility.  Plan for potential changes at your workplace.  Remain calm and prepared.

How COVID-19 spreads:

The disease most likely ​spreads the same way as similar respiratory illnesses.

• Person-to-person contact:
  • To become sick, you have to be exposed to the virus. CDC defines exposure as being within 6 feet (2 meters) of someone with a confirmed infection for a prolonged period of time.
• Exposure can occur through respiratory droplets — when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how flu and other respiratory viruses spread.
• Infected surfaces or objects:
  • It may be possible to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or possibly your eyes.

For these reasons, people at increased risk of infection are:

• People who have been to areas where widespread community transmission is occurring.
• People who had direct close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
• Illness can be severe and require hospitalization, but most individuals recover by resting, drinking plenty of liquids, and taking pain and fever-reducing medications.

If you are sick:

• It is important to call ahead before going to see a doctor or emergency room to prevent the spread of illness. Tell them your symptoms and if you suspect you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 or had recent travel to a place that is experiencing community spread.

The following resources are being provided as followed:

• 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.
• State public health web page: https://www.colorado.gov/cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus
• Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/CDPHE )
• Twitter ( @CDPHE )
• CDC web page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
• CO-HELP is Colorado’s call line for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). People who have general questions about COVID-19 can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911, for answers in many languages, or email them at COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English.

If you are concerned about your symptoms, please contact your primary care provider or call the Southern Ute Health Center at 563-4581 to speak with a Health Care Professional.