The number of COVID-19 cases has continued to rise in Montezuma County, with a total of 23 confirmed positive cases as of Thursday.

The number of cases has jumped six cases since Saturday.

The 23 cases include 11 recoveries and two deaths, the Montezuma County Public Health Department said. The department deems a patient “recovered” if at least 14 days have passed since the onset of symptoms, excluding patients who are hospitalized.

The county also reported Friday that at least 366 tests have come back negative, although the data may not reflect all tests performed in Montezuma County.

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The county has been trying to correct false information regarding business reopening dates. According to Vicki Shaffer, Montezuma County public information officer, the county has received calls that someone has been telling restaurants and bars they can open for dine-in service May 8, which is inaccurate.

“In the next two weeks, the Governor and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will address what restaurant openings will look like,” Shaffer said in a statement. “We will share that information as we get it and help prepare our restaurant owners for what openings will look like. All dates are still TBD.”

Montezuma County has petitioned the CDPHE for a variance, to loosen some state restrictions and allow some businesses, such as restaurants and fitness centers, to host customers, but a decision is not expected soon.

“The county has petitioned CDPHE for a variance to allow businesses in Montezuma County to open ahead of the Governor’s Stay at Home orders, but until that petition is granted, all businesses in the county are still subject to those orders,” Shaffer said.

ealvero@the-journal.com