Public Notices for the week of 6/24/2020
Public Notices for the week of 6/10/2020
Today (6/12/2020) the Governor issued the executive order moving Bluff and Mexican Hat to yellow with the rest of the County.
The guidelines are different for individuals who are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, and those who live with them. People who live with high-risk individuals, “should conduct themselves as if they are a significant risk to the high-risk individual.”
The state offers more guidelines for high-risk individuals, along with information about other ways a move to yellow will change health requirements for individuals and businesses, on the coronavirus task force website.
At the same time, the Utah Department of Health issued revised guidelines covering nearly every aspect of life in the pandemic. “Social distancing” is now called “physical distancing,” emphasizing a 6-foot distance between people to help prevent the spread of the virus. Where “green” had little to no regulations, it now includes that physical distancing and face coverings in public.
Public Notices for 5/27/2020
San Juan County’s fifth (5th) COVID-19-related death has been confirmed. The deceased was a female Blanding resident over 60 years of age who had underlying health conditions.We want to remind all that while Utah has moved to lesser restrictions for the general population, high-risk or vulnerable individuals, including those 65 and older and those of any age who are immunocompromised with chronic conditions like serious heart disease, respiratory issues or even obesity, kidney disease or pregnancy should continue to follow stricter health protocols, even while the rest of the state is following relaxed health orders. We encourage all to make every effort to help protect these individuals and keep them safe.We continue to expect and prepare for additional cases of COVID-19 in our community. Official data for San Juan County and all of Utah is available at: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/case-counts/Join the San Juan Strong Promise – San Juan Public Health and San Juan County Economic Development has rolled out the San Juan Strong Promise in an effort to help businesses navigate business operations during COVID-19. This includes a toolkit of resources including printables for communities, customers and employees, employee education, certificate, and more. To join the promise and view the resources visit: www.UtahsCanyonCountry.com/SanJuanStrong San Juan County Business Opening Updates: http://bit.ly/33tdCKlMedical providers are being encouraged to test more people as often as possible. If you are displaying any symptoms e.g. Fever, Cough, Shortness of Breath, Muscle Aches and Pains, Decreased Sense of Smell or Taste, Sore Throat, – Get tested! To find a testing site near you please visit https://coronavirus.utah.gov/utah-covid-19-testing-locations/
Public Notices for 5/21/2020
- Utah DWS made available a Pandemic Rental Assistance flyer for renters who are not receiving unemployment benefits or, due to circumstances related to COVID-19, are unable to pay rent.
- Utah Legal Services: What Renters Need to Know if They Receive an Eviction Notice View on YouTube
- Self-Help Resources from the Utah State Courts: What Renters Need to Know View on YouTube
- You can download the 2020 Renter Toolkit available in English & Spanish.
- For community resources, individuals need to dial 211 to connect with organizations in their communities.
Public Notices for 5/13/2020
Known infected communities are: Blanding, Bluff, Mexican Hat area, Montezuma Creek/Aneth area, Monument Valley/Oljato area, and the Navajo Mountain area. As the number of affected communities in the county change, we will issue updates to address those changes, but we will not be issuing updates on individual cases.
Go to https://sanjuanpublichealth.org/ to find helpful information on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public Notices for 5/11/2020
Our daily briefs are now taking the form of weekly briefs in an effort to reduce repetitiveness in our reporting. We encourage you to also follow our facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/sanjuanpublichealth for the latest changes and reports on COVID here in the County.
Public Notices for 5/4/2020
Public Notices for 4/30/2020
Public Notices for 4/29/2020
San Juan County communities with current confirmed cases of COVID-19 are: Mexican Hat, Blanding, Bluff, Montezuma Creek, Aneth, Monument Valley/Oljato, and the Navajo Mountain area.Updated counts for confirmed cases can be found at: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/case-counts/
Public Notices for 4/28/2020
Public Notices for 4/27/2020
In response to Governor Herbert’s announcement that Utah may be able to consider moving to “Utah Leads Together 2.0” Moderate-Risk level (orange) beginning as early as May 1st we invite all San Juan County general public and businesses to continue with this forward momentum to maximize public health and economic reactivation. The full document and color-coded guidelines can be found at: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/utah-leads-together/
Public Notices for 4/24/2020
Public Notices for 4/23/2020
Public Notices for 4/21/2020
Medical providers are being encouraged to test more people as often as possible. If anyone is displaying any symptoms e.g. Fever, Cough, Shortness of Breath, Muscle Aches and Pains, Decreased Sense of Smell or Taste, Sore Throat, – Get tested! To find a testing site near you please visit https://coronavirus.utah.gov/utah-covid-19-testing-locations/
Public Notices for 4/20/2020
For updated case counts please visit: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/case-counts/ Known infected communities are: Blanding, Bluff, Montezuma Creek/Aneth area, Monument Valley/Oljato area, and the Navajo Mountain area. As the number of affected communities in the county change, we will issue updates to address those changes, but we will not be issuing updates on individual cases.
San Juan Public Health Loosens COVID-19 Health Order. San Juan County, UT – The San Juan Public Health Board of Health met today to discuss the continuance of the Public Health Order of March 27, 2020 that, among other things, placed restrictions on recreation in San Juan County. At that meeting, following the recommendation of the Public Health Director, Kirk Benge, the Health Board approved the extension of the Public Health Order with significant changes.
The changes include a loosening of restrictions on visitation for essential travelers. The new order loosens restrictions on travel to the county for those who are full time RVers as well as those who can do so without violating a state or local travel restriction in their home jurisdiction.
Public Notices for 4/17/2020
San Juan County communities with current confirmed cases of COVID-19 are: Bluff, Montezuma Creek/Aneth area, Monument Valley/Oljato area, and the Navajo Mountain area.Updated counts for confirmed cases can be found daily at approximately 1:00 pm at: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/case-counts/ If positive test results come in after the daily update, those cases will be added to the following days numbers.
Do you have a fever or cough? We want you to get tested for COVID-19. Where can you get tested? Look here for locations. Click on a location for instructions: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/utah-covid-19-testing-locations/
Public Notices for 4/16/2020
The Utah Suicide Prevention Coalition has an online chat function called Lifeline Chat it is a service of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, connecting individuals with counselors for emotional support and other services via web chat. All chat centers in the Lifeline network are accredited by CONTACT USA. Lifeline Chat is available 24/7 across the U.S. Also there is the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255. https://utahsuicideprevention.org/
Public Notices for 4/14/2020
Public Notices for 4/13/2020
As of today 4/13/2020, San Juan County has a total of 9 residents who have tested positive for COVID-19. All of these cases (8) are near the Southern-most region of the County near the Utah/Arizona border (Navajo Nation). The Utah Department of Health is sending down a mobile testing unit to help perform a testing surge this week in Navajo Mountain and Monument Valley. We may end up seeing an increase in positive cases in that area as we increase testing. This won’t mean that the disease is spreading faster, it will just mean that we are identifying existing cases faster. Known infected communities are: Montezuma Creek/Aneth area, Monument Valley/Oljato area, and the Navajo Mountain area. For updated case counts please visit: https://coronavirus.utah.gov/case-counts/ There is a discrepancy in what the Navajo Nation is reporting and the numbers we have, we are working to resolve that.
Public Notices for 4/10/2020
Public Notices for 4/9/2020
San Juan County, We have taken down the shared link from KUTV news that talked about the Governors Travel Order. The news site stated that there would be checkpoints, this is incorrect. Starting Friday, for motorists, this will be a Wireless Emergency Alert sent through the cell towers to phones. This will be at any highway that enters the State of Utah through a geofence which is a virtual geographic boundary, defined by GPS or RFID technology tool similar to how they are able to send out amber alerts to your cell phone depending on which area of the State you are located. There are no physical checkpoints.
Public Notices for 4/8/2020
We want to remind SJC residents and non-residents about our governor’s “Stay Safe, Stay Home” Utah directive with emphasis on hunting, that all recreational travel by non-residents of San Juan County is prohibited.
All individuals, stay at home as much as possible, work from home whenever possible, encourage socializing by phone and video chats. self-quarantine for 14 days after traveling or being exposed to an individual presenting symptoms of illness consistent with COVID-19. Engage in appropriate social distancing, including: Maintaining a 6-foot distance at all times from other individuals when in public. Not shaking hands with other individuals. Not visiting friends or family without urgent need. Not attending any gathering of any number of people, except for members of the same household or residence. Follow Strict Hygiene Standards Discretionary travel for shopping should be avoided. This includes non-essential unnecessary shopping trips such as “pop runs” “cigarette runs”, “beer runs”, etc. but combine needs and perform minimal shopping trips.
For an update on public land closures and/or restrictions please visit: https://www.utahscanyoncountry.com/covid19-travel At this time County offices remain closed to the public. Appointments can be made by phone. Please see attached daily brief for contact information.
Public Notices for 4/7/2020
Public Notices for 4/6/2020
Public Notices for 4/3/2020
We learned today that the boat ramps out at Lake Powell will be closed. Due to COVID-19, there is no one to decontaminate and remove the invasive quagga mussels from boats leaving the waters of Lake Powell.
Public Notices for 4/2/2020
As of April 6, 2020, San Juan County Administration Building will be CLOSED TO THE WALK-IN PUBLIC until May 1, 2020. This is the old courthouse located at 117 S Main, Monticello. Each office will assure critical functions continue to be handled, but you will need to call first and set up an appointment with the respective departments you need to see, those who have appointments will be the only members of the public allowed to enter the building.
Our Libraries continue to offer curb-side services in Blanding and Monticello. Our Senior Centers are also closed to the public. If you are a senior and in need of services or supplies, please call your local Senior Center.
We have been notified that in some areas of the State, citizens are receiving calls from someone who is portraying as if they are a member of the Public Health Department and advising people that they have been exposed to the virus. If you receive a call from these individuals, please capture their phone number and contact us. We will turn their information into the authorities. It is against the law for falsification of official matters.
Public Notices for 4/1/2020
Public Notices for 3/31/2020
Public Notices for 3/30/2020
With the Forest Service Campgrounds in the area, the following information has been provided by the Forest Service: Most of our campgrounds are still covered in snow but those that are not we are keeping closed to avoid congregating groups of people. Both Devils Canyon and Nizhoni Campgrounds are now accessible and we have closed them with gates and/or barriers and signs, with information on the closures.
Public Notices for 3/28/2020
After several of you have reached out to us, please find the clarification to yesterday’s Health Order. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We need your cooperation during this time. They only way that we are going to slow the spread is by complying with the public health order. We know that we are asking for a lot of sacrifices at this time and appreciate all that our citizens are doing.
Public Notices for 3/26/2020
Public Notices for 3/25/2020
San Juan County residents please practice Social Distancing as best as you can. The longer we delay social distancing the longer we are stuck practicing social distancing.
Public Notices for 3/24/2020
San Juan County residents please practice Social Distancing as best as you can. The longer we delay social distancing the longer we are stuck practicing social distancing.
Public Notices for 3/23/2020
Currently, there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in any person physically residing in SJC.
*Note-US Surgeon General Jerome Adams has anticipated that this is going to be a rough week as we see more cases. If possible everyone really just needs to stay home. People are under the impression that this can’t happen to them.
Public Notices for 3/20/2020
We are receiving calls from local hotels, Airbnb’s, and Bed&Breakfast companies that someone is portraying as if they are the San Juan County Public Health asking why the business is open and telling them they should be closed. The County Public Health has not encouraged nor mandated any businesses to close their services in San Juan County. If you receive a call from these individuals, please capture their phone number and contact us. We will turn their information into the authorities. It is against the law for falsification of official matters.
San Juan County Community Partners want to be very clear on the subject of travel to our County: If you are thinking of traveling to San Juan at this time. Please stay home. Please follow the President’s advice and our Governor’s advice. Avoid unnecessary travel right now. Avoid leisure travel right now. Let’s all wait this out together, and we encourage you to come visit us when this is over. For visitors who are already in the area, please refer to: www.utahscanyoncountry.com/covid19-travel or call 1-800-574-4386
Public Notices for 3/19/2020
There have been rumors about the Navajo Nation shutting down the highways. The Navajo Nation at this time has no plans to close roads. This information has been confirmed with the State of Utah Tribal Liaison/ARO Utah Department of Public Safety Division of Emergency Management for more information you can call the Navajo Nation Health Command Center at 928-871-7014.
Public Notice 3/18/2020
ownloadThe County would like to thank both Clark’s Market and Blue Mountain foods for setting aside an extra hour from 7am to 8am for our Senior Citizens to shop at these local grocery stores. This will help support the shopping needs of the elderly in our community. This is specifically for customers over 60 years old. Out of an abundance of care, compassion and caution, we request that if you are not part of this age group, you schedule your shopping between 8:00 am-8:00 pm. Thank you for your patience and kindness during these times. While shopping at these businesses, please thank their staff for all of their efforts during these times. They are front line in providing services to us. Please pass this word along to our Senior Citizens.
Updated News Release 3/17/2020
- Our individual actions are crucial to protecting our community. DO YOUR PART TO PREVENT COVID-19:
- All county residents should work from home whenever possible.
- If you work in a critical infrastructure industry, such as healthcare/pharmaceutical and food supply, you have a special responsibility to maintain your normal work schedule. You and your employers should follow CDC guidance to protect your health at work.
- Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.
- Avoid eating or drinking in bars, restaurants, and food courts – use drive-thru, pickup, or delivery options.
- Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.
- Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance.
- Practice good hygiene:
- Wash your hands often.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.
- Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.
- If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Monitor your symptoms.
- If your children are sick, keep them at home.
- If you are an older person, stay home and away from other people.
- If you have a serious underlying health condition stay home and away from other people.
- Bars, restaurants, and food service establishments shall suspend dine-in operations for a period of two weeks (as per order of the Governor).
- Gyms, recreation centers, and other venues where people congregate should temporarily close as well.
- Please be aware that diagnostic testing is only valid for those who have respiratory symptoms (fever, cough or shortness of breath). Not everyone should be tested.
- If you have isolated yourself due to illness and your symptoms worsen or you have difficulty breathing, contact your medical provider by phone prior to going to a hospital or clinic.
We ask all members of our community to work together, follow this guidance, and protect each other by stopping the spread of coronavirus. We are counting on YOU to do your part.
Press Release (3-16-2020):
San Juan County has taken a proactive measure by declaring a Public Health State of Emergency. This preventive move is intended to protect vulnerable populations in our community, such as the elderly and persons with underlying health conditions.
County essential services continue to remain open to the public including our offices and operating hours. We have cancelled our larger County meetings for the immediate time being. However, we strongly encourage the public to avoid coming to the offices in person unless the visit is critical and time sensitive.
We have activated our Emergency Essential Services forming a County Task Force to help communicate and remain vigilant in our County’s preparation and efforts. In time, we will also be declaring a County Emergency as needs in our preparation increases. Updated messages will continue to be provided on our social media sources through Facebook #sanjuanutah and here on our website.
Senior Services will continue at Senior Centers where food distribution will continue to take place following each Center’s regular weekly schedule. If you are a senior in need, please contact your local Senior Center. Updates to Senior Services can also be followed at https://www.facebook.com/San-Juan-County-Utah-Senior-Centers-883546308366550/
Our County Libraries continue to remain open, if we see an increase in usage or mass assemblies due to school closures, we may have to close those in an effort to limit exposure. Storytime, craftclub, tweens, mommy and me will all be canceled for the time being.
The immediate health risk from COVID-19 to the general public remains low.
There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in San Juan County at this time.
We can all contribute to a healthy community, by practicing social distancing, by limiting our interactions and reduce the spread rate of this virus through these practices which will prevent us from overwhelming our health system if our citizens are infected. We appreciate the efforts by our School District and Religious Affiliations in practicing and encouraging social distancing. We encourage our businesses throughout the County to continue safe and healthy practices to protect citizens. We encourage restaurants to practice social distancing spacing patrons in indoor seating areas; we also encourage citizens to utilize take-out services from our restaurants. We appreciate all of our citizens and the efforts you are already making to help in these efforts. The County will continue to work on mitigation efforts to assist you during these times. Please continue to be mindful of one another, help watch out for the elderly and those who stand in need and most of all do not panic.
In the words of Lieutenant Governor Cox: “I want to be very clear, we’re not making these decisions today because things are really bad, we’re making these decisions today to make sure that things don’t get really bad.”
Please be wary of rumors related to COVID-19 circulating on social media. People should be skeptical of rumors they hear on social media that aren’t being reported by reputable health organizations or mainstream media outlets. Please do not share or repost items unless you are able to confirm that they are true. False and inaccurate social media posts can cause a great deal of harm. By following the recommended precautions now, we can all help as a community slow the rate of spread as well as potentially avoid overwhelming our health system.
What the public should know to protect themselves:
- Wash your hands and don’t touch your face.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Limit large gatherings or social events to 100 or fewer people.
- Persons who are immunocompromised or older than 60 years should avoid gatherings or social events of more than 20 people.
- If you think you may have COVID-19, follow the recommendations of State and County Health departments; call the Utah Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-456-7707, or visit coronavirus.utah.gov or cdc.gov/coronavirus.
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and develop a fever and symptoms, such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice and isolate yourself from others. It is important that you call your healthcare provider for instructions.
- Guidance for Monitoring Your Health – https://coronavirus.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/Active-Monitoring-Social-Distancing_Pt-Instructions_031120.pdf
- COVID-19 Guidance for School Closures and Dismissals – https://coronavirus.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/School-Closures-and-Dismissals_FINAL-1.pdf
- COVID-19 Guidance for Long-term Care Facilities in Utah – https://coronavirus.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/COVID-19_LTCF_Guidance.pdf
The County will continue to update the public on changes as we receive them. If you need assistance, please feel free to call us at (435) 587-3225
