State appears to be slowing reopening process as COVID-19 cases increase

[TexasTowelie]

The update New Mexicans received from the Governor’s office on Thursday afternoon was not what we’d originally hoped for – which was a full shift into the second phase of the state’s re-opening plan by June 15.

Instead, citing a 10-day uptick in positive coronavirus diagnoses in New Mexico, as well as a larger increase in cases in neighboring states, Governor Lujan Grisham only announced a single significant change: Under a new public health order that went into effect Friday, breweries will be permitted to open outdoor patio seating at half capacity. On Monday, they will be able to resume indoor service at half capacity, though bar and counter service will remain prohibited. This is certainly great news for our local breweries, but there’s a lot left to do in terms of making sure everyone receives fair treatment in opening.

The state did acknowledge that the overall increase in positives is partially due to the situation at the prison in Otero County. More than 250,000 COVID-19 tests have now been conducted in the state, and there was good news about health care service availability. Three additional positive COVID-19 cases were also announced in Eddy County on Thursday, for a total of 45 at that time. As of Thursday, New Mexico has had a total of 9,367 positive tests for COVID-19, which includes 3,899 cases designated as having been recovered.

Unfortunately, Guadalupe Mountains National Park also announced Thursday that they will remain temporarily closed until further notice, due to the continued number of new cases in neighboring communities. Carlsbad Caverns National Park has not posted any new updates following its closure announcement.

Read more: https://www.currentargus.com/story/opinion/editorials/2020/06/12/state-appears-slowing-reopening-process-covid-19-cases-increase/3176856001/
(Carlsbad Current Argus)

[Mike 03]

1. "...a larger increase in cases in neighboring states..."

Does AZ Governor Doug Ducey give a single moment's thought to how his allowing COVID-19 to rage unchecked is affecting our neighbors? Maybe some lawsuits would get his attention.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

2. Love New Mexico.....

But I understand the directives. Taos, Alburquerque, Santa Fe, Clovis even. So much to see and do there.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

3. This state shut down early

and for the most part, we've been spared the worst. The northwest part of the state, where the Navajo Reservation is, has been hit hard. Many of the people there don't even have running water, are very poor, often have underlying health conditions, a trifecta for the virus.