Category: Health

Technical Advisory Bulletin for Tribal Title V Owners and Operators (COVID-19) March 27, 2020

March 27, 2020
Technical Advisory Bulletin

To: All Tribal Title V Owners and Operators:

This technical advisory bulletin is being issued to address compliance concerns or non-compliance that could result at Title V permitted facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, state, local, and the Southern Ute Indian tribal government have been forced to take drastic actions to limit social contact including stay-at-home orders for non-critical employees and closures of certain businesses. The Tribe’s Air Quality Program (AQP) understands that owners and operators are facing many challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and is issuing this guidance to help operators take measures to document these challenges for compliance reporting purposes.

To document compliance concerns and issues that are directly resultant from challenges relating to the pandemic, the AQP recommends, at a minimum, that operators keep detailed logs, including the reason for non-compliance and maintain all relevant data to support claims (e.g., correspondence with operations personnel, stack test companies, contractors, etc.). Additionally, AQP recommends keeping in contact with the AQP regarding issues as they arise. For urgent matters and prompt deviation reporting during this time, reports can be submitted to: airquality@southernute-nsn.gov. All other logs and records can be submitted to the AQP at a later date.

If owners and operators are able to comply with their Title V permit requirements on time, we strongly encourage you to do so using the processes normally used. Where compliance is impacted by orders aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, the AQP expects owners and operators to exercise reasonable due diligence. Correspondingly, the AQP will exercise discretion in granting administrative and enforcement relief for various reporting requirements and deadlines of regulated entities as conditions warrant in response to COVID-19.

It is the AQP’s expectation that permittees will take actions minimizing the effects and duration of any noncompliance caused by COVID-19 and will use “best efforts” to return to compliance at the earliest opportunity
If you have any questions regarding compliance during this time, please contact Mr. Oakley Hayes, Air Quality Technical Manager, at (970) 563-2244 or me at (970) 563-2265.

Danny Powers
Air Quality Program Manager
The Southern Ute Air Quality Program

Social Gatherings Protocol

SUIT Public Service Announcement

SOCIAL GATHERINGS PROTOCOL

A COVID-19 outbreak could last for a long time. Depending on the severity of the outbreak, public health officials have recommended community action designed to limit exposure to COVID-19. The Southern Ute Incident Management Team is ordering postponement or cancellation of large events with more than 250 people within the boundaries of the Southern Ute Reservation. This is for the safety and well-being of your event staff, participants, and the community.

Social distancing measures are taken to restrict when and where people can gather to stop or slow the spread of infectious diseases. Social distancing measures include limiting large groups of people coming together, closing buildings and canceling events. Recommendations have been made by the CDC, to avoid sporting events, community festivals/gatherings, and concerts at this time. Recommendations to change your daily habits such as shopping off peak hours are encouraged along with taking advantage of delivery or pick up services with retailers.

SUIT Public Service Announcement – How to help limit spread of COVID-19

SUIT Public Service Announcement

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.