NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – The Governor and the New Mexico Health Secretary have issued a public order Monday for instruction to Stay-at-Home. This order closes all non-essential businesses and requires 100 percent of the state’s non-essential workforce to work from home. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said, “basic retail is no longer allowed in the State of New Mexico.” These orders are in effect due to community spread. This order is in effect through the end of April.

  • Gatherings of more than 5 people prohibited
  • All indoor shopping malls, flea markets, theaters, movie theaters, recreational facilities, health clubs, resort spas (not a simple hair salon, barbershop or nail salon), and venues to close.
  • Hotels, motels and other places of lodging shall not operate at more than 50% maximum occupancy
    • This restriction does not apply to operations providing lodging to health care workers who are engaged in the provision of care to New Mexico residents or those businesses providing temporary housing to individuals employed and working in New Mexico.
  • Gov. orders limit on the purchase of over the counter medical and hygiene supplies.

“Stay-at-Home” order and what businesses are deemed essential

Courts

The Supreme Court issued an order March 23 stating: “New Mexico Judiciary performs a vital function in our 12 community for the public’s safety and to uphold the rule of law and provide 13 essential justice services to the public guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of 14 the United States and State of New Mexico, which must be provided at all times and especially during times of crisis”

Courts will limit the number of people to no more than 15 in courtrooms and other locations inside a courthouse to promote social distancing.

The United States District Court for the District of New Mexico: The decision to hold hearings and trials will be at the discretion of each presiding Judicial Officer. If there are changes or cancellations, the affected parties will be notified. The Naturalization Ceremony scheduled in Las Cruces, NM for March 20, 2020, is canceled. Individuals scheduled to take their oath at this ceremony should work with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) to discuss other avenues for taking their oath. The closure was issued on March 15.

Enforcement

The state has ramped up surveillance of businesses to ensure compliance. Violators of the public health order could lose their licenses to operate and face civil or criminal penalties. New Mexicans wishing to report a violation will soon be able to call the non-emergency COVID-19 state hotline, 1-833-551-0518.

Hoarding

In a previously issued public health order, the state, in an effort to limit hoarding, directed grocery stores and other retailers to limit the sale of over-the-counter medications, durable medical equipment, baby formula, diapers, sanitary care products, and hygiene products to three packaged items per individual. Individual New Mexicans are further urged to limit hoarding in order to ensure community members have the supplies they need.

The order was issued to fight the potential spread of the virus and minimize public health risks for New Mexicans.

School, Colleges, Universities Updates

State Closures and Orders

  • The New Mexico Department of Health asks all person traveling into New Mexico from outside the state to self-isolate for 14 days and monitor themselves for any symptoms. 
  • The New Mexico Corrections Department suspends all on-site visitation as of March 16.
  • New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department district offices statewide are open on an appointment-only basis as of March 17
  • The Albuquerque and Santa Fe offices of the Public Employees Retirement Association of New Mexico (PERA) will be closed until further notice.
  • The Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) has closed all New Mexico State Parks effective March 17. The closures are set to expire April 9 unless extended.
  • National forests in New Mexico, including the Lincoln National Forest, will begin the orderly closure of developed recreation sites March 23
  • ​All state museums, state-operated visitor information centers, state historic sites, state parks and cultural institutions are closed to the public effective Monday, March 16.
  • Rail Runner to suspend service through April 3.

Events, Businesses, Sporting Closures

  • UNM Golf Courses will be closed effective Tuesday, March 24 until further notice
  • PNM and NMGC are temporarily closing in-person payment centers effective March 20
  • All Tribal Casinos closed March 19 – Non-tribal casinos and racetracks under the state’s purview closed effective Monday, March 16
  • Archdiocese of Santa Fe will be closing its churches and schools until further notice.
  • New Mexico Ministry Network Assemblies of God churches are to take the necessary steps to cease all church gatherings and activities for the next 15 days in accordance with CDC recommendations, and be prepared to potentially continue this for the next 8 weeks effective March 17
  • Santuario de Chimayo / Tome Hill Pilgrimages postponed. Individual pilgrims visiting Santuario de Chimayo are strongly discouraged from visiting the sacred shrine because of the increased risk of contracting COVID-19. The Archdiocese of Santa Fe issued the closure March 16.
  • Presbyterian is not allowing visitors on our hospital campuses beginning March 18. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for the following:
    • Children admitted to the hospital
    • Maternity units
    • Patients receiving end-of-life/palliative care
  • All events at Expo New Mexico in the month of March canceled which includes things at Tingley Coliseum and the New Mexico State Fair Grounds.
  • All Popejoy Presents events have been canceled until April 30.
  • Bataan Death March has been canceled.
  • Gathering of Nations has been canceled for the year.
  • All events at the Albuquerque Convention Center canceled until further notice.
  • Run for the Zoo in Albuquerque has been canceled in response to the latest coronavirus developments in New Mexico.
  • Sawmill Market will close its doors starting March 17 at 3:00 p.m., until further notice. Will offer curbside ”To Go” service starting March 18
  • Nationwide Movie Theaters announced March 16 they will be temporarily closing all locations due to coronavirus
  • Major retail stores closing, adjusting hours amid coronavirus outbreak began this week
  • Meow Wolf Santa Fe exhibit House of Eternal Return will be closed beginning Friday, March 13 until Tuesday, March 31.
  • Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails will be suspending all cookie sales in public places effective March 16th. Personal and online sales will continue through mid-April via individual Girl Scouts.
  • Angel Fire Resort will close for the season as of 4 p.m. Monday, March 16.  
  • Duke City Gladiators will postpone first two home games.
  • Three New Mexico United home games have been postponed and two of their away games.
  • Albuquerque Isotopes’ opening night has been postponed.

Bernalillo County

  • The Water Authority (as of end-of-day on Monday, March 23) is temporarily closing all of its walk-in payment locations
  • Citywide issued March 24
    • All City buildings are closed to the public, as of 5 p.m., March 24. This includes City Hall. Signs will be posted instructing people how they can access the County Clerk’s office.
    • All city golf courses are closed
    • Transit
      • Beginning Saturday, March 28, all service will operate on a Saturday schedule for the foreseeable future.
      • ART service will suspend entirely on Saturday, March 28.
    • City Clerk
      • All hearings are either postponed or will be held remotely.
    • Planning Department
      • Plaza del Sol will be closed to the public.
      • Permitting will continue via telephone, while inspections and field work will continue as normal.
      • A drop box will be set up for applicants to drop any paperwork. Staff will pick up and review submissions and then set a time for applicants to pick up any permits.
    • Parks & Recreation and Citywide Youth Programs
      • All Spring Break youth programs are canceled.
      • City golf courses are closed.
      • All playgrounds in City parks are closed, although the parks themselves will remain open.
      • Maloof Air Park is closed.
      • Horsemen’s Complex is closed; however, owners must continue to care for their animals.
  • Family and Community Services All Childhood Development Centers will be closed effective March 24, including the Early Head Start Program, Preschool Program, NM Pre-K program and all home-based services. Below is a list of locations:
    • Alamosa Child Development Center  (6900 Gonzales SW, 87121)
    • Barelas Child Development Center (1440 Iron SW, 87102)
    • Carlos Rey Child Development Center (1310 Delgado SW, 87105)
    • Duranes Child Development Center (2436 Zickert NW, 87104)
    • Emerson Child Development Center  (620 Georgia SE, 87108)
    • Governor Bent Child Development Center (5700 Hendrix NE, 87110)
    • Hawthorne Child Development Center (445 Erbbe NE, 87123)
    • Herman Sanchez Child Development Center (1830 William SE, 87102)
    • La Luz Child Development Center (225 Griegos NW, 87107)
    • La Mesa Child Development Center (7500 Copper NE, 87108)
    • Longfellow Child Development Center (400 Edith Blvd. NE, 87102)
    • Los Volcanes Child Development Center (6500 Los Volcanes NW, 87121)
    • Lowell Child Development Center (1700 Sunshine Terrace SE, 87106)
    • MacArthur Child Development Center (1100 Douglas MacArthur NW, 87107)
    • Manzano Mesa Child Development Center (801 Elizabeth SE, 87123)
    • McKinley Child Development Center (3401 Monroe NE, 87110)
    • Plaza Feliz Child Development Center (517 San Pablo SE, Building K, 87108)
    • School on Wheels Child Development Center (129 Hartline SW, 87105)
    • Singing Arrow Child Development Center (13001 Singing Arrow SE, 87123)
    • Tomasita Child Development Center (701 Tomasita NE, 87123)
    • Tres Manos Child Development Center (823 Buena Vista SE, 87106)
    • Trumbull Child Development Center (419 Pennsylvania SE, 87108 0)
    • Vincent Griego Child Development Center (1812 Candelaria NW, 87107)
    • Western Trail Child Development Center (6440 Western Trail NW, 87120)
  • Parks & Recreation
    • The Esperanza Bicycle Safety Education Center is closed to the public.
    • The golf and event center at Balloon Fiesta Park is closed to the public.
  • Greater Albuquerque Association of REALTORS® (GAAR) members are to suspend all Open Houses to the general public as of March 19
  • Bernalillo County scales down staffing to essential personnel as of March 16
  • The Small Business, Economic Development and Film Office are closed to the public for in person service but can be reached by calling 505-768-3270. Issued March 17
  • All Senior, Multi-generational and 50+ Fitness Centers are closed. Updated March 17
    • The following centers will temporarily serve as lunch distribution sites between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., where individuals can pick up their meal outside the Center and take it home: Barelas Senior Center, Los Volcanes Senior Center, Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center, North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center, North Valley Senior Center.
    • Meal Sites housed at Bernalillo County, Albuquerque Housing Authority, and Village of Tijeras are temporarily closed; those individuals are encouraged to visit one of the lunch distribution sites.
    • Home delivered meals will continue operate as normal.
    • Seniors 60+ interested in receiving meals from Senior Affairs should call 505-764-6400; priority service is for homebound seniors.
  • Solid Waste has closed public access to their buildings and is encouraging people to call and handle any business over the phone at 505-761-8100. Issued March 17
  • Transit – Issued March 17
    • All ABQ RIDE routes that serve the Rail Runner will be closed due to the NM Rail Runner suspending service.
    • The ABQ Ride customer service lobby is closed, but purchases can still be made at the customer service windows.
  • Bernalillo County Animal Care and Resource Center will temporarily halt microchip and rabies vaccinations for dogs and cats effective March 18
  • Albuquerque Office of the City Clerk updated March 17
    • The City Clerk’s Office will be closed to the public but will continue to process requests to inspect public records that are received electronically. Inspection of Public Records requests that have already been processed will resume when the office is re-opened.
    • The Records Center will be closed.
    • The Office of Administrative Hearings will be scheduling hearings 30 to 45 days out.
    • The City Clerk’s office will still accept summonses, appeals, and subpoenas. They should be submitted electronically to: summonsandappeals@cabq.gov.
  • All Albuquerque libraries will be closed through April 15. Updated March 17
    • Because all 18 branches of the Public Library are closed, the date for items that are due between Saturday, March 14 and Wednesday, April 15 has been extended to Wednesday, April 22. Holds that are ‘Ready for Pickup’ will continue to be held through the first week after the libraries reopen. Holds that are ‘In Transit’ will be processed after we reopen. Any library card that was due for a scheduled update during this period has been updated through May 1.
  • All ABQ BioPark facilities will be closed until after April 15, including all indoor and outdoor exhibits.
  • Sandia Peak Tram will be closed at the end of the day Sunday, March 15 until further notice.
  • All Albuquerque city pools and aquatic centers will be closed through April 15.
  • All events booked by third parties in indoor City of Albuquerque facilities through April 15.
  • Outdoor activities in City Parks, Open Space and outdoor athletic facilities can continue if they do not exceed the State’s public health order, until further notice.
    • Fees at Elena Gallegos Open Space and Boca Negra Canyon will be waived beginning Tuesday, March 17.
  • Most Senior Affairs Centers are still honoring tax appointments; however, walk-in tax preparation at Barelas Senior Center provided by the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, has been postponed until at least April 6.

Sandoval County

  • Rio Rancho Police Department front desk operations will be closed until further notice beginning March 18
  • Rio Rancho City Hall is closed to the public until further notice effective March 17. During this time, City personnel will still provide services to citizens electronically or by phone. Other City services, such as emergency services, road repair and maintenance, utilities billing, and Development Services-related will continue to be fully operational. 
  • City of Rio Rancho facilities will be closed effective March 17, 2020 until further notice:
    • A Park Above, 2441 A Park Above Court
    • Cabezon Community Center, 2307 Cabezon Boulevard
    • City Hall, 3200 Civic Center Circle
    • Esther Bone Memorial Library, 950 Pinetree Road
    • Haynes Park and Community Center, 2006 Grande Boulevard
    • Loma Colorado Main Library, 755 Loma Colorado Boulevard
    • Meadowlark Senior Center, 4330 Meadowlark Lane
    • Motor Vehicle Division* (Rio Rancho location), 4114 Sabana Grande Avenue
    • Rio Rancho Aquatic Center, 745 Loma Colorado Boulevard
    • Rio Rancho Sports Complex, 3501 High Resort Boulevard
    • Sabana Grande Recreation Center, 4110 Sabana Grande Avenue
    • Sports Complex North, 3616 Chayote Road
    • Star Heights Recreation Center, 800 Polaris Boulevard
  • A select number of Sandoval County Employees will be working from home beginning March 17, 2020.
  • The Sandoval County administration building will remain open to the public, with limited access to county employees in each department, which still allows the county to run it’s day-to-day operations successfully.
  • Sandoval County Detention Center is not allowing any non-essential personal or people into the facility at this time.

Santa Fe County

  • First group of Santa Fe County employees will begin March 18 a remote work schedule.
  • Santa Fe Animal Shelter adoptions open to the public on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Mondays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adoptions will be closed to the public Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays as of March 16.
  • Santa Fe County Senior Centers are closed until further notice as of March 13.
  • The Santa Fe County Department of Public Safety has discontinued visitation for residents at the jail facility as of March 13.
  • All activities at Santa Fe County-owned or operated Community Centers will be postponed until further notice as of March 13.

Torrance County

  • Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument will be closed as of March 22. All visitor centers, museums, trails, ruins, and bathrooms are closed as well.

Otero County

  • All County buildings with the exception of the courthouse will be closed to the public as of March 23. People are allowed in the building by appointment only. County business to be conducted by phone, email, or online.
  • Alamogordo Municipal Court will close to the public until further notice. All arraignments and trials will be postponed until a later date, and Alamogordo Municipal Court will publicly announce when the Court will reopen. If you have a pending court or arraignment date, you will be notified by summons when to appear. Please call the Municipal Court at 575-439-4225. The closures were announced March 16.

Doña Ana County

  • City of Las Cruces has closed
    • Butterfield Shooting Range
    • Skate Park
    • BMX Track
    • Dog Park
    • RC/Archery Park
    • Athletic Ballfields
    • Tennis/Pickleball Courts