News 040920

This is 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 989 individuals. There is a total of 17 deaths now in New Mexico from COVID-19. For our area, we have 4 positive cases of COVID-19 in Grant County and one in Catron County.

HMS continues to take action to ensure the health of their patients and employees and provide the best healthcare and responsiveness during this COVID-19 pandemic. HMS is one of the healthcare centers that continues to provide testing of COVID-19 for persons, once screened, needing a test.   To date HMS has tested 42 individuals with 39 tests returned as negative, and two pending results, and one test was inconclusive. If you believe you need testing, call HMS and they will direct you to next steps. Some of HMS operations have moved to use of telephonic and televideo services. Some patients are being seen face-to-face, as deemed necessary by providers to address other health conditions. Further operational changes and safety enhancements led to the need for HMS to make care delivery site changes that include the closure of the Santa Clara Mobile Health Unit, Ena Mitchell Mental Health clinic in Lordsburg, the Tranquil Skies Community Mental Health Center, and the New Beginnings, Psychosocial Recovery (PSR) program. HMS will be providing services via telephonic, televideo, or at other HMS locations.

The Gila National Forest has issued a release to the public concerning crowds and parties at day use sites in addition to heavy visitor travel through gateway communities. The situation is occurring despite federal, state and local guidance on social distancing and group size as it pertains to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. With the Easter holiday approaching this weekend, the public is reminded to recreate responsibly in national forest land and be aware of the following:

  • All overnight campgrounds in the Gila National Forest are closed to overnight camping
  • All toilet facilities on the forest are locked
  • Some picnic/day use sites are closed to the public
  • Trash collection is suspended

Furthermore, the public is asked to avoid visiting the forest if they are ill and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.

The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions is offering one-time grants in the amount of $750 each to self-employed individuals in various jobs that include musicians and artists with cancelled shows, contract massage therapists at health spas, food truck operators, and similar services. The grant is funded by $1.5 million from the Rapid Response Layoff Aversion program under the directive of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. For more information visit www.jobs.state.nm.us.

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 www.silvercityradio.com for a listing of open business during this time in Grant, Hidalgo and Luna counties.