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 30,632 New Mexico COVID-19 confirmed positive cases with 17,330 tested as recovered. In addition, COVID-19 cases recorded locally are as follows: Grant County remains at 131 total cases with 53 recovered; Luna County rose to 449 total cases with 185 recovered; Hidalgo County remains at 102 total cases with 75 recovered; and Catron County remains at 9 total cases with 5 recovered.

Southwest New Mexico has been experiencing smokey conditions due to the “Cow Canyon Fire” that was ignited by lightning on August 18th on the Alpine Ranger District, 4 miles to the Southeast of the Town of Blue, Arizona. It is burning in steep, rugged terrain with limited access, and is in a remote location within the Blue Range Primitive Area near the Arizona and New Mexico state border. At the time of this report, the fire has covered 6,700 acres and is 18% contained. The weather continues a drying trend with no precipitation in the forecast.

Last month, the State of New Mexico announced new guidelines for long-term care facilities to expand COVID-safe visitation options for residents and their loved ones. As of yesterday, the announced facilities in 24 counties are now eligible, based on the COVID-positivity rates in their region. These counties have a COVID-positivity rate below 5 percent and will be able to provide additional visitation options for their residents and visitors. The local eligible counties are Catron, Grant, and Hidalgo.

All Grant County Buildings are now open to the Public and maintaining regular business hours. In accordance with the COVID safety practices released by the Governor, members of the public will be required to wear a mask upon entering the building. In addition, there are signs posted reminding patrons to wash their hands, use sanitizer and to maintain at least a six-foot distance between other members of the public.

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