Here’s a look at some local news:

At the time of this report, the New Mexico Department of Health has reported 100 confirmed positive cases of the COVID-19 virus in New Mexico. Sadly, one death of a male in the late 70’s in Eddy County occurred on Sunday, March 22nd at Artesia General Hospital. A COVID-19 test was performed and then confirmed on Tuesday, March 24th. The NMDOH reported that the individual had multiple chronic underlying health issues. As of the time of this report the NM Department of Health has reported no confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Catron, Grant, Luna, and Hidalgo counties.

Deming Public Schools Student Nutrition Department continues to provide free meals to all DPS enrolled students regardless of which school they attend. No paperwork is required although children must be present for meals to be provided. Families are able to pick up both breakfast and lunch at the same time at a drive-thru service through Friday April 3rd at school sites that include: Bataan Elementary; Columbus Elementary, Ruben S. Torres Elementary; Central Cafeteria; Deming High School; and Columbus Port of Entry DPS bus lane. Families can view updated information by visiting demingps.org.

Lordsburg Municipal Schools are offering grab and go meals Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 A.M. through April 2nd at the Lordsburg Administration Building located at 401 West 4th Street.

Cobre Consolidated Schools are offering a feeding plan for students for the week of March 23rd through 27th and March 30th through April 3rd. Free breakfast and lunch are available at the Bayard Post office, Viola Stone Park, the Hurley Post Office and the Mimbres Post Office. Meals are pick up only from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. and children must be present.

Silver Consolidated Schools has established the following pick up times for non-perishable, “grab and go” meal distribution for the period until April 3, from 10AM-12PM at the following locations: G.W Stout Elementary Loading Dock on Silver Street; the Tyrone Community Center; Pinos (Pee-nose) Altos Volunteer Fire Department; and the Cliff School. Keep abreast of schedules by visiting silver schools.org.

In addition, as a result of the spread COVID-19, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, in accordance with the Public Health Emergency Response Act, has announced that social distancing is the sole way to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Effective immediately, to protect the community, all Town of Silver City parks and park facilities are closed to the public until further notice.

The New Mexico Department of Health is urging residents to stay at home except for emergency essential outings. If you must go out, keep a 6-foot distance between others, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and if you should develop a fever, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, please seek care.  All non-essential businesses must cease in-person operations. A list of essential businesses and more COVID-19 information is available at newmexico.gov and at cv.nmhealth.org