Local News for March 13th, 2020

Here’s a look at some local news:

According to a Public Health Order from the New Mexico Department of Health, a public health emergency order was issued yesterday afternoon that limits mass gatherings due to COVID-19. The order is effective immediately and is intended to address any “public or private gathering that brings together 100 or more individuals in a single room or connected space in close proximity to one another such as an auditorium, stadium, large conference room, meeting halls, theaters, but does not include normal operations at airports and transit areas, shopping malls, or other spaces where 100 or more individuals may be in transit.” A mass gathering does not include family gatherings, shelters, retail stores, typical offices, courthouses, restaurants and places of worship, to name a few. The order will remain in effect until at least April 10^th and may be renewed consistent with any direction from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. The public may seek further information and clarification by visiting n m health dot org.

In response to the international novel coronavirus pandemic, the New Mexico Department of Health and the New Mexico Public Education Department joined in to announce that New Mexico K-12 public schools will close for three weeks beginning on Monday, March 16^th. This proactive approach is being implemented to prevent the potential spread of the virus. In addition to local K-12 public schools, Western New Mexico University is extending their Spring Break for students only and will be transitioning courses to online starting on March 30^th. WNMU faculty and staff will be required to report to work on March 23^rd either in person or remotely.

After careful consideration, race director, Jack Brennan, has announced the 34^th Annual Tour of the Gila has been cancelled due to continued health concerns involving COVID-19. Plans for the event that was scheduled for April 29^th through May 3^rd have been in the works for almost a year. Teams from all over the world had been signing up, resulting in 19 professional men’s teams, 12 professional women’s teams, in addition to a large amateur field. Despite being saddened to announce this year’s event cancellation, plans are now underway for Tour of the Gila 2021.