COVID-19 is on the rise again in New Mexico, with the number of New Mexicans dying from the virus almost reaching 1,000. According to New Mexico’s Department of Health announcement on Tuesday, there have been 335 new COVID-19 cases.
In an update from the Governor’s Twitter account, there are currently 577 new cases as of October 14th, 2020.
In an effort to stop the spread, Governor Michelle Lujan Grishan announced Tuesday that she would be cracking down on travel restrictions and public health orders.
Gatherings will be reduced from a 10 persons limit to five people when indoors, outdoors, in private, and in public spaces.
Hotels and other places of lodging will have its occupancy reduced to 60% from 75 percent for properties that successfully completed New Mexico’s “Safe Certified” program. For properties that have not completed the program, the limit will be reduced to 25% from 50 percent.
Travelers entering New Mexico will have to quarantine for two weeks regardless of if they show a negative test.
All food and drink establishments will have a curfew of 10 p.m. if they serve alchologic beverages.
Governor Lujan Grishan said in a press release on Tuesday, “When the community spread of the virus becomes uncontrollable — and we are fast approaching that point — our only option is to simply shut down those opportunities for the virus. We’ve made so much progress to sustain reopening and our limited, safe in-person learning efforts — but that progress is rapidly disappearing.”
The Governor is currently self-quarantine after potentially being exposed to the virus from a staff member. So far, she has tested negative twice.
“Rollbacks will mean more economic turmoil for so many workers and business owners in our state who have already suffered and sacrificed so much. But it is our only chance to prevent more devastating illness and to save lives,” says Lujan Grishan.
The new health and safety protocols will go into effect on Friday.