Here is some local news brought to you by Silver City Radio.

At the time of compiling this report, the New Mexico Department of Health, announced a total of 24,920 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases with 12,446 tested as recovered. In addition, COVID-19 cases locally impacting the area are as follows: Grant County increased to 78 total cases with and increase to 38 recovered; Luna County increased to 307 total cases with an increase to 113 recovered; Hidalgo County increased to 97 total cases with 59 recovered; and Catron County remains at 5 total cases and 2 individuals recovered.

Yesterday afternoon, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, announced amendments to the public health order that will be extended this Saturday, August 29th. Key changes to the public health order include:

  • Mass gatherings of 10 or less individuals are now permitted
  • Food and drink establishments may provide indoor dining up to 25% capacity, and may expand outdoor capacity to 75%
  • Museums with static displays may operate at 25% capacity
  • Houses of worship may operate at 40% capacity in enclosed indoor spaces

In addition, the New Mexico Public Education Department has been working closely with school districts on an approved reentry plan. The plan covers instruction, PPE and cleaning supplies, cleaning and rapid response procedures, and family communications and engagement.

Recently, inmates that were housed in Hidalgo County were transferred to the Luna County Detention Center as part of a Mutual Aid Agreement for the purpose of Luna County staff to facilitate training with Hidalgo County staff. The Hidalgo county inmates were placed into quarantine away from other inmates and tested for COVID-19. Although the transferred inmates were previously tested and cleared as negative in Hidalgo County, subsequent testing upon intake resulted in 16 positive COVID-19 cases in addition to 3 positive cases from the Hidalgo County Detention Center staff. According to a release, all cases have been treated, isolated, and have not required hospitalization to date. On completion of the training, all inmates will be returned to Hidalgo County facilities and ongoing training and guidance will be provided on an as needed basis.

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