Editor’s note below
SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE) – The governor and top health officials gave a grim update Wednesday about the coronavirus in the state, adding we’re in real danger of moving backward like other states that have had to shut down businesses again because of a spike in cases. The next phase of reopening the state will be on hold for at least the next two weeks while officials work to review more data. “Any businesses that have not been allowed to reopen are not going to get to open,” Gov. Lujan Grisham said.
Through July 15, all restrictions and occupancy limits remain in place, and there is a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all out-of-state visitors as well as residents who fly or drive. Also today, mandatory masks will be strongly enforced in the state, or violators will be given a $100 fine.
Human Services Secretary Dr. David Scrase said he’s concerned that for the first time, there’s a boost in cases in every region of the state. He’s reminding people not to travel, if possible, with about 10% of total positive cases being New Mexicans who have traveled out of state.
Another 9% of cases are coming from people who have traveled from out of state, he added. “I don’t think there’s anywhere you could fly nonstop to that doesn’t have a rapidly increasing number of cases,” Dr. Scrase explained.
Officials said they’re also seeing a spike in the number of cases in children with a 27% increase, or about 350 more positive cases, in just the past week. As for testing in the state, Cabinet Secretary Kathy Kunkel said New Mexico is focusing on rapid response tests for essential workers, last week doubling the number of tests given.
The governor said what is causing the upward trend is people not social distancing. For example, there was a Truck and Grill event at Manzano Mesa Park in Albuquerque this weekend where hundreds gathered and hardly any wore masks. The governor said this 4th of July weekend, people must stay home and stay the course. “We flattered the curve once before,” the governor said. “No doubt, we will together flatten it.”
The governor said officials will review this latest update in a week.
Editor’s Note: Earlier we reported that there is a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all out-of-state visitors who fly or drive. We have amended this to include anyone traveling into the state, which includes visitors as well as residents, will have to quarantine for 14-days per the Public Health Order.
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