Rise in COVID positive cases prompts Southern Ute Indian Tribe to move to Phase II 'Safer at Home' Level 2
News Release
Southern Ute Indian Tribe
Due to the rise in positive COVID-19 cases, in accordance with Tribal Council Resolution 2021-104, which adopted amended COVID-19 metrics, the Southern Ute Indian Tribal Council concurred with the tribe’s Incident Management Team (IMT) recommendation to move to Phase II, “Safer at Home” Level 2. Level 2 is a more restricted phase. The change will be effective Saturday, October 2, 2021. Tribal Council and the Incident Management Team determined it was in the tribe’s best interests to move to a more restrictive phase due to the new COVID cases, percent of positivity, and hospitalizations in the area.
“We have to do what is best to prioritize the health of the tribal membership and our tribal staff. Moving to Phase II, Level 2 now will help us return to our new normal in preparation for the holidays,” stated Chairman Melvin J. Baker.
The Southern Ute Indian Tribe will remain in Phase II “Safer at Home” Level 2 until further notice. The tribal offices remain open to the public; however, all individuals are required to complete the tribal COVID screening process.
Pictured: Southern Ute Indian Tribe COVID-19 Metrics.
(Image: Southern Ute Indian Tribe)
Below are what to expect when the tribe moves to Phase II “Safer at Home” Level 2.
The following activities are allowed:
- Visit, care for, and assist a family member or friend
- Go to the grocery store
- Pick up medications or attend medical appointments
- Go to school or buy educational supplies
- Go to, or get things from, work
- Go to a restaurant or store, provided all protective measures of the establishment are followed
- Spend time outdoors to enjoy activities such as walking, hiking, playing, or picnicking at a park, etc.
- Exercise indoors or outdoors provided capacity restrictions and protective measures are in place
- Take your pets to veterinarian appointments
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The following activities are strongly discouraged:
- Leaving your home or visit with family members and friends if you are sick
- Visiting loved ones who are not household members in the hospital, nursing home, or other residential care facility
- Discontinuing the practice of social distancing, maintaining less than six feet of distance between you and non-household members when you go out
The following activity is required:
- Using a face mask when required by public health order
Restrictions in Phase II, Level 2:
- Personal gatherings are restricted to 20 individuals or less
- Indoor gathering capacity is restricted to 50% of setting capacity and 75 maximum capacity
- Outdoor gathering capacity is restricted to 50% of setting capacity and 100 maximum capacity
More information can be found on the Southern Ute Indian Tribe’s website and social media, in the Southern Ute Drum, and on the air at KSUT Tribal Radio. Individuals can also call the Southern Ute Indian Tribe by dialing 970.563.0100.
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’s 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. Please continue to practice social distancing by staying six feet away from others. Stay connected with your loved ones and our tribal elders.
(Photo: Southern Ute Indian Tribe)
