Here’s a look at 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 15,514 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases, an increase of 227 individuals. In addition, COVID-19 cases locally impacting the area include: Luna County rising to 132 total cases; Grant County rising to 41 total cases; Hidalgo County rising to 75 total cases; and Catron County remaining at 3 total cases. A total of 430,006 COVID-19 tests have been performed statewide and currently there is a total 171 hospitalizations.

The New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department Alcoholic Beverage Control released a letter yesterday to licensees that addresses the latest COVID-19 public health orders as it pertains to restaurants, breweries, wineries, and craft distillers. The letter lists the amended orders that went into effect on Monday, July 13th, and in addition gives alcohol licensees directions on how temporarily expand their outdoor patio spaces. The department is offering a no-cost temporary change of floor plan application. Licensees will also need the approval of their Local Option District especially if they are expanding patio space into publicly controlled areas and to ensure ADA and zoning compliance. Restaurants may provide sit down dine-in service in outdoor seating areas provided that the tables are 6 feet apart with no more than six patrons at a single table. All dine-in services are prohibited for indoor seating areas at this time. Establishments that are operating as bars, nightclubs, or fraternal clubs remain closed pursuant to the existing Public Health Orders.

Literacy Link Leamos will be giving out brand new free books for elementary school children at the Murray Ryan Visitors Center this Friday and Saturday, July 17th and 18th from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. This is a drive-thru only event and individuals must stay in their car and wear a mask. The books will be delivered to each vehicle by volunteers wearing face coverings for safety. Literacy Link Leamos is a local organization that provides one-to-one literacy training for adults, residents held at the Grant County Detention Center, instruction for ESL and citizenship, and other special projects to promote literacy and reading.

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