Here is a look at some local news brought to you by Silver City Radio.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued announcements yesterday during a virtual news conference that will affect the state regarding COVID-19 restrictions. The Red to Green framework will be retired allowing the state to fully reopen after 60 percent of the state’s population are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The Governor anticipates this occurring by the end of June. As of yesterday, 41.6 percent of New Mexican’s have been fully vaccinated. In addition, the current gating criteria used in the Red to Green framework will be relaxed, allowing many counties that have remained the Yellow level to move into the less restrictive Green level. Previously for a county to achieve the Green level they would need 8 cases per 100,000 residents and a 5 percent test positivity rate. The new criteria will be 10 cases per 100,000 residents and a 7.5 test positivity rate. In addition, county by county vaccination rates will be included in the Red to Green framework. The new framework will be in effect tomorrow, April 30th, whereby the state color coded map will be updated. In regard to wearing masks, there is no longer a mandate to wear masks during most outdoor activities, although they are still required for indoors.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation District One office will begin a maintenance operation project to place “chip seal” pavement on various roadways in Grant County. The chip seal process is a surface treatment that is placed on the existing pavement and is designed to seal out moisture to create a more durable surface extending the longevity of the roadway. The chip seal crew will begin work on Monday, May 3rd, along roadways located near Cliff, moving towards Silver City. Motorists will encounter reduced speeds, flagging operations, brooming, and intermittent lane closures during working operations. Work hours are scheduled Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. Motorists should expect minor delays and are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continue to be cautious of heavy equipment and construction personnel in the area. Drivers should expect no center stripe in the construction zones. The District One office will also chip seal additional routes on the following roadways: NM 211, NM 153, NM 293, NM 78, NM 159 Mogollon, NM 15 and NM 35 Lake Roberts Area.
This has been a look at some local news. Thank you for listening to Silver City Radio.
