Category: Health

Southern Ute Incident Management Team – Disease Control Level

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

The Southern Ute Indian Tribe Incident Management Team (IMT) would like to share the Tribe’s Disease Control Level. As of Wednesday, March 25, 2020 the Tribe is under a ‘Stay at Home’ order.

This is one tool the IMT has been using to determine its response and tribal action plan related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Created & Published by Lindsay J. Box

SUIT IMT Disease Control Level

Southern Ute Health Center COVID-19 Testing Tent Procedures

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.

Photo Credits: Jeremy Wade Shockly | Southern Ute Drum; and Jeremiah B. Valdez

Designed and Produced by Lindsay J. Box

Southern Ute Indian Health Center COVID-19 Testing Tent Procedures

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.