COVID-19 Prevention, Information and Resources

Southwest Health Systems advises that if you have fever, cough, and shortness of breath to call ahead to your healthcare provider so they can prepare for your arrival. If you have questions, you can call their patient information line at (970)546-2201.

Protect yourself

Take care of yourself and those you love. We advise all community members to follow these important guidelines provided by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment:

• Frequently and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use your inner elbow or sleeve.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home if you’re sick, and keep your children home if they are sick.
• Clean surfaces in your home, and personal items such as cell phones, using regular household products.
• Be calm and prepared.

As a reminder from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: It is normal to be scared or distressed when you hear about a disease outbreak, even when you are a low risk of getting sick. Be careful not to turn fear and anger towards people who have become sick.

Social Distancing Steps from San Juan Basin Health:

Don’t shake hands or hug. Instead, bump fists or elbows.

   •     Increase distance between people to six feet to help reduce spread.

   •     Consider whether you want to take a trip or attend public gatherings.

   •     Follow CDC guidelines on travel.

   •     If there is ongoing spread in your community, consider reducing the number of group gatherings or activities. (As of 3/16/20, the CDC is recommending avoiding gatherings of over 10 people)

   •     Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places if school is closed.

   •     If you are sick, stay home or get treatment from your doctor (call ahead), and stay away from others.

   •     If you are well, stay away from others who are sick.

Social distancing is particularly important in protecting vulnerable populations from getting sick with COVID-19. This includes older adults, people with cardiac, lung, or kidney disease, and people with diabetes. People at higher risk should take action now to be prepared for this virus if there is an outbreak in their community. For people at higher risk, preparing means being ready to stay at home as much as possible if there is an outbreak in the community and paying extra attention to everyday actions like staying away from sick people, washing your hands frequently, and avoiding crowds.

Community interventions such as closures of public agencies, buildings, school, ski areas, libraries, and events are ways to create social distancing and reduce the spread of COVID-19. Through these closures, local public health officials, elected officials, school superintendents, and businesses owners are prioritizing the protection of the health of local residents and visitors. We also need your help in these efforts. Everyone’s daily preventive actions are important in reducing spread to people who may experience more severe illness.

Together, we can make a difference by committing to responsible choices that will best support our resilient community.

Local Information & Resources

• Southwest Health Systems is frequently updating their website with information about the outbreak and COVID-19 testing in Montezuma County.
• Montezuma County Government has created an exhaustive list of local, regional and statewide resources on their website.
• The Town of Mancos has developed a COVID-19 response plan and they are updating the community of changes on their website and Facebook page. Town Hall is currently closed due to the pandemic, but utility payments may be made online at www.xpressbillpay.com or via telephone at (800)766-2350.
• Montezuma County Neighbors Helping Neighbors Facebook page is a great resource for community members in need of support or for those that have an abundance and would like to give or help out.
• Pinon Project – Phone: 970-564-1195. Services for families are still available; however, home visits and evening parenting programs have been suspended. The Pinon project will help families navigate resources via phone. Children services are available: 8am-12pm and 1pm-5pm Monday through Friday.
• Unemployment support can be found through Southwest Colorado Workforce Center Phone: 970-565-3759. Unemployment applications must be made online at: https://www.colorado.gov/cdle/unemployment; Phone: 1-800-388-5515.
• Bridge Emergency Shelter: 970-565-9808 Services include access to the homeless shelter and transitional living services.
• KSJD has local news and information on the outbreak and they are updating their page regularly. Information for the other three Four Corners states and the Ute and Navajo tribes can be found on their page Coronavirus Updates and Resources for Southwest Colorado and the Four Corners. 

Statewide Information and Resources

• The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is the best resource on COVID-19 in Colorado, including information on confirmed cases in the state, testing, telehealth and nurselines, prevention and community spread, isolation & quarantine, and recommendations for schools, workplaces & communities.
• 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.
• On HelpColoradoNow.org, you can sign up to volunteer or contribute to the state’s COVID Relief Fund, so more resources become available to fight the spread of COVID-19, including medical supplies, nursing home support coverage, homeless shelter coverage and cleaning supplies.

National and worldwide Information

• The Center for Disease Control (CDC) summary on COVID-19 is updated constantly. This is the best source of information on the quickly changing situation unfolding in the United States.
• For information on COVID-19 around the world, check the World Health Organization. Their FAQs page contains an excellent overview of the virus and their world map illustrates the current global state of the pandemic.