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

At the time of this report, the New Mexico Department of Health, announced 5,364 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases. There have been 115,011 tests performed statewide, 200 current COVID-19 related hospitalizations, and 1,515 cases designated as having recovered according to the Department of Health.  In addition, sadly there has been 231 COVID-19 related deaths recorded statewide. Positive COVID-19 cases in Grant County remain at 15, Luna County with 8 cases, Catron County remaining at 2, Sierra County with 1 case, and Hidalgo County with no confirmed cases.

During an afternoon press conference yesterday, Governor Lujan-Grisham presented a COVID-19 update for the state that included new case numbers and a new public health order. Beginning Saturday May 16th there will be eased restrictions for all retailers, office spaces, call centers, and houses of worship. The changes include:

  • All retailers may operate at 25% of fire code capacity and must use COVID-safe practices to operate. All employees are to wear face coverings and maintain stringent daily cleaning and sanitizing.
  • Larger retailers may operate at 20% maximum occupancy
  • Other non-essential businesses like offices and call centers may operate with up to 25% of pre-crisis staffing levels
  • Houses of worship may operate at 10% occupancy

In addition, stay at home orders remain in place for if you are sick or vulnerable, no gatherings in groups, maintain 6 feet physical distance, 14 day quarantine order stays in place for out-of-state airport arrivals, and high intensity contact services like dine in restaurants, indoor malls, salons and gyms are not yet safe to open and remain closed. Effective this Saturday, all New Mexicans are required to wear a face mask or face covering in public settings with exceptions for eating, drinking and medical requirements.

The Luna County Detention Center has announced it has tested according to a directive from the New Mexico Department of Health, 100% of staff and a percentage of their detainee population. As of yesterday, May 13th, the NMDOH notified the detention center that an employee tested positive for COVID-19. The employee was immediately directed to self-quarantine at home for 14 days. According to their release, detainees who display any symptoms consistent with COVID-19 are tested immediately and placed in a quarantine area until results are obtained. Staff are screened at every shift and those displaying symptoms are sent home and set up with the first available testing. Prior to the mandated testing, 4 staff members and 6 detainees had been tested, all negative results.

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