The New Mexico Department of Health is urging New Mexicans to take precautions this holiday season to protect young children, the elderly, and others with underlying conditions from respiratory viruses including the flu, RSV, and COVID-19. According to a news release from the NMDOH, there are some tips that people can follow to stay healthy and avoid unnecessary hospital visits during the holidays that include the following:

  • Get a flu shot and stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations
  • Since there is not vaccination for RSV, people can protect themselves by covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning high touch surfaces, and regularly washing hands with soap and water
  • Individuals at risk to get severely ill from RSV should consider wearing a mask when indoors with people outside of their household.
  • If you are sick, stay home until you feel well.
  • Remember it is still important to try to ventilate your space and keep air circulating
  • Try to mask when traveling with a well fitted K95 or KN95 mask

The Silver City Gospel Mission had 24 volunteers show up on Thanksgiving to help serve over 100 guests a delicious feast. The meal was ready to serve by 10:00 A.M. and consisted of all the traditional foods including assorted desserts. Visitors were able to eat their fill and still take some home for later. According to Randy Salars of the Gospel Mission, “People come in cold, stressed, dirty, apprehensive, and tired and can sit down in a warm spot, have a great meal, and within a few moments are smiling, laughing, and it is all a big happy family basking in a joint glow of love and kindness.” In addition, he thanks the community for generosity in donating their time, energy, money, food, clothing, and other items to those in need.

Youth groups are now forming in Hidalgo County that offer free prevention programs to promote resiliency with self-image and awareness, positive relationships, communication and leadership skills, goals, and much more. The free program is open to youth ages 10 through 17. For more information, contact Anadely Martinez at 575-694-5293.