Here’s a look at some local news brought to you by Silver City Radio:

At the time of compiling this report, COVID-19 cases have increased in New Mexico to 794 individuals. There is a total of 13 deaths now in New Mexico from COVID-19. For our area, sadly we have 4 positive cases of COVID-19 in Grant County and one in Catron County.

Yesterday, the Governor released an amended Public Health Emergency Order. The amended order renewed the public health emergency until April 30th and included the following:

  • Maximum number of customers in allowed in essential retail space is limited to 20%;
  • Hotels, motels, RV parks, and other places of lodging shall not operate at more than 25% of maximum occupancy with exception to the housing of health care workers.
  • Liquor stores and payday lenders are now listed as non-essential businesses and must cease in person operations in addition to auto dealership showrooms can only sell vehicles online.
  • Stressing that all New Mexicans should stay at home for all but the most essential activities and services.

The Guadalupe Montessouri School in partnership with Aldo Leopold Charter School, is offering free grab and go drive thru lunches, Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. on a first come first served basis. The Thursday pick up includes a sack lunch for Friday. This student meal plan location serves in addition to five other locations currently serving the Silver Consolidate School.

PNM is urging New Mexico small businesses to apply for federal stimulus assistance to receive financial help during the COVID-19 health crisis. Since the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Action (CARES Act) was enacted, small businesses with up to 500 employees are urged to apply for the financial relief that would help pay up to $10,000 for employee salaries, paid sick and medical leave, insurance premiums and utilities as well as residential relief with mortgage interest, rent, and utility payments.  PNM has created a website at http://www.pnmforwardtogether.com/covid19bizhelp  to deliver information and tools to small business owners and make the application process faster and easier. Federal funds from the CARES Act are received within three days of successful application and do not have to be repaid.

During this time of the COVID-19 health emergency, shopping local is more important than ever and crucial for our community. Please do your part and support our local businesses and make sure to visit silvercityradio.com for a listing of open business during this time, now also featuring businesses in Hidalgo and Luna counties.