FARMINGTON – Since it was announced that San Juan County fell into the Yellow Level as a result of an increase in COVID-19 cases, San Juan Regional Medical Center is urging the community to work together to get back to Turquoise Level.

“Each of us has a choice when it comes to where we want to end up,” according to a news release from the hospital. “By choosing to make the choice to adhere to COVID-safe practices, we can once again move forward from yellow to turquoise and see more of our community open up. We can and we will get there together.”

The release warns against people letting their guard down and suggests the most important thing to do is get the COVID-19 vaccine. People 16 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine. Individuals who want the vaccine must first register for it online at vaccineNM.org. People older than 60 can also schedule their follow-up booster shot online in their profile.

“We encourage all eligible persons to seek out any approved vaccine as soon as possible,” said Dr. Brad Greenberg, emergency physician and medical director of emergency preparedness for San Juan Regional Medical Center. “To sustain positive momentum, we need to get as many people vaccinated as possible – as soon as possible.”

The release reminds people of the “tried-and-true COVID-safe practices,” including wearing a mask, social distancing, hand-washing and avoiding large gatherings and crowds. People feeling sick should stay home, and those who think they might have been exposed to COVID-19 should get tested.

“We all want to get back to normal as soon as possible. We want to visit our friends and family, attend concerts and sporting events,” said Jeff Bourgeois, president and CEO of San Juan Regional Medical Center. “But it’s going to take all of us doing our part to make that happen. We’ve done it before, and we can do it again. Stay the course, follow the precautions and together we will get back to turquoise.”

mmitchell@durangoherald.com