The first death from COVID-19 has been reported in the TriCounty Health District. The Ute Indian Tribe of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation issued a press release on Monday with the announcement. “At the time of their death, the patient was being treated in Provo,” shares the release. “The patient is a female, was older than 60 and was a resident of the Fort Duchesne Community. The patient tested positive for COVID-19 July 31, 2020, she had underlying medical conditions, and was hospitalized for several days prior to her death on August 22, 2020. Ute Tribe Emergency Management strongly encourages all individuals to follow the recommendations from the CDC and Tri County Health Dept. Stay at home as much as possible and Work from home whenever possible. Self-quarantine for 14 days after traveling or being exposed to an individual presenting symptoms consistent with COVID-19. Engage in appropriate social distancing. Follow strict hygiene standards and [remember] high risk individuals (older than 60, or any serious underlying conditions) should limit travel to only essential. The symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, or shortness of breath. If someone exhibits these symptoms and has been in close contact with a known positive COVID-19 case, that individual should immediately call their health care provider, who will coordinate with the patient to determine the appropriate next steps. There is currently no vaccine or treatment available for COVID-19. Ute Tribe Emergency Management recommends taking preventive actions to stop the spread of germs including regular hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or an elbow, and staying home when you’re sick. This is the 1st COVID-19 related death on the Ute Indian Reservation and the Tri-County area. Our prayers are with the families and relations of the deceased, may we continue to be safe and ask you all to take precautions necessary to protect one another.”
