Two new deaths of San Juan County residents with COVID

San Juan Public Health has reported two additional deaths of residents with COVID-19 in December. The reported deaths were of two women in their 60’s, one from the Bluff area and the other from the Blanding area.

The number of COVID cases remains high in San Juan County, with 152 active cases as of December 17. 

The 14-day case rate per 100,000 is 777 in the county and the seven-day case rate is 314 per 100,000.

There are active cases in all area communities, ranging from less than five in the Mexican Hat and La Sal / Spanish Valley areas up to 41 active cases in the Blanding area, and 40 active cases in the Montezuma Creek / Aneth areas.

As people prepare to spend time together during the holidays, San Juan Public Health reminds residents to be tested in order to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in the county.

While the holidays may impact hours of local health agencies, COVID-19 tests are available at San Juan Health Service District and Blue Mountain Hospital. 

UNHS clinics offer testing from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday at their clinics.

San Juan Public Health offers testing from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on weekdays, excluding Wednesday.

TestUtah offers testing at the Monticello Library from noon to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays, as well as testing at the Bluff Community Center Parking lot from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Wednesday.

San Juan Public Health Director Grant Sunada says with high cases and concerns about new variants, their main message remains the same: COVID-19 vaccinations are reducing the number and severity of COVID-19 cases and continue to be safe for the majority of people.

San Juan Public Health also advocates for continued layers of protection, including vaccination, staying home when sick, mask wearing, staying physically distant, and circulating clean air.

These efforts combine to help reduce spread and protect those at highest risk for severe cases, especially during the Holiday Season.

Recent approvals by the federal health agencies have allowed children ages five to 11 to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Additionally, state health experts in Utah have recommended COVID booster shots for those who were vaccinated more than six months ago.

COVID vaccines and boosters can be received through multiple health agencies in the county.

San Juan Public Health offers the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines and boosters on Wednesday the rest of December from 9:00 am to 4:15 p.m.

Utah Navajo Health System (UNHS) also offers the Pfizer vaccine for all ages five and up. Those interested should call and schedule an appointment.

Main Street Drug & Boutique in Monticello offers the Johnson & Johnson vaccine walk-ins Monday thru Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. They close early on Friday at 2 p.m.

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