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

The New Mexico Department of Health announced an update of the Red to Green (and Turquoise) COVID framework status yesterday, showing that the majority of the counties in the state have reached the Turquoise, least restrictive phase. Catron County has remained in the Turquoise level, meeting a case incidence rate of no greater than 7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants during the most recent 2-week period and an average percent of positive COVID-19 test results less than or equal to 5 percent. Grant and Luna County remain the Yellow level, and Hidalgo County moved from Green back to Yellow. According to the NMDOH, the state has made substantial progress with 23 of 33 counties reaching either Green or Turquoise levels in the last 2-week period ending March 22nd. In addition, the state is looking to update the current approach to consider the effect of new factors that were not present in July of 2020 when the framework was developed. These factors include vaccine availability and full school reopening.

In addition, COVID-19 news, the New Mexico Department of Health has announced today that vaccineNM.org registrants who are 60 years and older can now schedule their own COVID-19 vaccine appointments, meaning event codes are no longer required for this age group. Users simply log in to vaccineNM.org using their confirmation code and date of birth, choose their location, and then select from available appointments in their area.

The Gila National Forest has released their final update regarding the Elk Fire that is located 30 miles east of Reserve. The fire began on March 31st, and covered 229 acres comprised of mostly Pinon, Juniper, and grass. The fire is 100 percent contained and during monitoring and reconnaissance yesterday, crews found evidence of a lightning strike, which is determined to be the cause of this fire.

This has been a look at some local news. Thank you for listening to Silver City Radio.