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 18,163 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases, a record high increase of 343 new patients. In addition, COVID-19 cases locally impacting the area are as follows: Grant County increasing to 63 total cases with 4,259 total tests administered; Luna County increasing to 175 total cases with 5,875 total tests administered; Hidalgo County increasing to 84 total cases with 1,802  total tests administered; and Catron County remaining at 4 total cases. Statewide, there are 167 individuals currently hospitalized and 7,056 individuals designated as recovered.

Yesterday afternoon, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced during a livestream event that New Mexico will delay in-person learning for all students at least through Labor Day, September 7th. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and continual higher amount of infected individuals, additional time is needed to assure students, families, and educators that a return to school can be done safely. The next target goal is after Labor Day to start a phase-in hybrid model return to campus starting with the youngest students, K through 5, followed by middle school, then high school. The plan also includes the following exceptions to begin before Labor Day:

  • Schools can serve students with special needs in person in small a small group or 1 to 1 settings.
  • Schools can serve small groups of K through 3 students on person with no more than 5 students per teacher and prioritizing students most in need of learning support
  • Colleges and universities will be deploying online and remote learning across their campuses this fall
  • The PRD and the Early Childhood Education & Care Department are working together create additional childcare options throughout the state

Individuals on unemployment receiving the “Weekly Benefit Amount” in addition to have been receiving the additional $600 per week since March 29th, are notified that the program expires next week. Claimants will receive the $600 payment next week but afterwards benefits will revert to only WBA payments. It is very important that claimants certify their unemployment benefits every week so if the federal governmental negotiations are successful there is a possibility that payments will resume and be retroactive.

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