SHS CEO Tony Sudduth message with first presumptive positive in Montezuma County

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For the last couple weeks we have been approaching the COVID-19 pandemic with the assumption that there were active cases in Montezuma County.  Today we have confirmation that this was an accurate assumption as we received notice that an individual tested in our drive-up clinic has been determined to be a presumptive positive.

As we have previously stated was the process, the Montezuma County Health Department has spoken with the individual and will determine if there was any potential exposure to others.  From that point they will notify anyone else as appropriate, so rest assured anyone determined to be at risk from contact with this individual will be notified by the Montezuma County Health Department.

So I am sure you are wondering what will this change in our current recommendations and processes.  At this point none, we will continue to stress Social Distancing and the adherence to the Stay at Home Order, which is the only way to contain the spread of COVID-19. We believe that this individual is likely not the only person in Montezuma County who is positive, and we must change our behavior now.

It is also very important to remember that this is not a time to panic, this is not unexpected and as I said we have known all along it was just a matter of time before out assumptions were confirmed.

We will continue to do testing as currently recommended and adjust as is determined to be appropriate.  In the meantime, please adhere to our recommendations, stay at home when at all possible, maintain appropriate social distancing at all times and wash your hands frequently.   As we have promised we will keep you informed as information develops.

Thanks you to the community for your support and assistance as we work through this crisis and know that the biggest help you can be to us and the entire community is to continue to follow our recommendations.

Thank You,

Tony Sudduth

Low Supply of Masks and Protective Equipment

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How you can help:

  1. Donate masks you may have at your business.

2. Sew washable masks for our healthcare workers and first responder’s to use.

Thank you so much for your desire to help  provide protective equipment masks for healthcare workers faced with the COVID-19 virus!

Calling our seamstresses! As has been reported throughout the country, we have a shortage of protective equipment for our healthcare workers and emergency responder’s. The below patterns have been approved by our clinical leadership. face_mask_lg / face_mask_sm / Flu Mask / Healthcare Surgical Mask Instructions

Where do I take them when they’re complete? When your masks are complete and ready for drop off, we have donation bins set up by the flag poles between the Medical Office Building and Hospital entrance at 1311 N. Mildred Rd., Cortez, CO 81321. You may drop them off between 10 am-4 pm, Monday through Friday, until further notice. If you have any questions, please email sjones@swhealth.org. Masks will be washed onsite once dropped off.

Where else can I drop these off? Montezuma County Public Health is also collecting masks that they will distribute to healthcare partners in our community. They are accept donations at 106 W. North St., Cortez, CO 81321, Monday-Friday.

Do  you have masks at home, at your business or in your garage? Protective masks are used in the beauty, woodworking and  many industrial settings. We can use these to continue caring for the members of our community.  If you have masks supplies, please email sjones@swhealth.org and we’ll coordinate delivery.

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COVID-19 – Your Local Questions Answered by SHS Infection Prevention Team

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Southwest Health System answers questions from the local community regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus). SHS Infection Control Team talks about the latest recommendations, how local testing will be performed, and how to protect yourself, your family and your community.