Here is a look at some local news:

At the time of this report, the New Mexico Department of Health, announced 7,130 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases. There have been 180,646 tests performed statewide, 211 current COVID-19 related hospitalizations, and 2,564 cases designated as having recovered according to the Department of Health.  In addition, sadly there has been 325 COVID-19 related deaths recorded statewide. Positive COVID-19 cases in Grant County are 15 with 1,613 tests administered, Luna County with 7 cases and 1,270 tests administered, Catron County remaining at 2 with 92 tests administered, and Hidalgo County with 1 confirmed case and 246 administered tests.

Today, Governor Lujan Grisham’s amended state’s emergency public health order that permits limited outdoor dine-in services took effect. According to a release, restaurants may order dine-on service located in outdoor areas up to 50% of their outdoor fire code policy. In addition, the following points apply:

  • No dine-in service may be provided in indoor seating areas.
  • Outdoor dine-in service may only be provided to patrons who are seated.
  • Tables must be placed with at least six feet of distance between one another.
  • No more than six patrons may be seated at any single table.
  • No bar or counter seating is permitted.

Restaurants in Dona Ana county have been asked to refrain from this soft opening amendment because the rate of COVID-19 transmission is considerably higher there at this time. Currently there is a June 1st statewide target date to open indoor dine-in services.

The New Mexico Resiliency Alliance, in partnership with New Mexico MainStreet and the McCune Charitable Foundation, awarded Silver City MainStreet funds for the Downtown Recovery Fund. In a release provided by Silver City MainStreet, the funding has provided seed money for GoFundMe campaigns to several downtown businesses that applied for and met grant guidelines. The Downtown Recovery Fund is one of the programs Silver City MainStreet has been facilitating to help downtown businesses challenged by the Covid-19 pandemic. The awarded businesses are Light Art Space, Javalina Coffee House, Silver Nature Spirits Gift Shop, Amma Guadalupe, Revel, Silco Theater, Dandelion Wish, and the Silver Book Shop.

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