Thursday, July 9, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham and health officials addressed New Mexico on the administration’s COVID-19 response. 

The update was live-streamed on the governor’s official Facebook page at 4 p.m. July 9. Grisham began her address by updating New Mexicans on the COVID-19 Case Update announcing the total number of positive cases at 14,251 total with 238 new positive results as of Thursday. There are currently 154 individuals currently hospitalized with 32 on ventilators. New Mexico has had a total of 533 deaths, with six new deaths as of Thursday. 

 

Grisham urged New Mexican’s to practice social distancing regardless of age. Of the new deaths on Thursday, two of which included individuals in their thirties. 

 

“I’m asking everyone immediately to wear your mask, restrict where you’re going if you can work from home, work from home. Do not engage in unnecessary activities where you’re coming into contact even with family members because it’s contributing to the transmission in this state,” Grisham said. 

 

After updating New Mexican’s on the rise of COVID-19 in New Mexico Grisham amended several public health orders to take place effectively Monday, July 13.  These orders Grisham told New Mexican’s were to help flatten the rising curve of COVID-19 in New Mexico.

 

Effective Monday, July 13 Indoor seating at restaurants and breweries are prohibited. 

 

-Restaurants and breweries may continue to operate patio or outdoor seating at 50% of maximum occupancy adhering to COVID-Safe Practices

 

-Restaurants may continue to provide carry out and delivery services

 

– Breweries may continue to provide curbside pickup services

 

*Restaurants who remain open despite the prohibition could face up to a $5,000 a day fine. 

 

Effective Monday, July 13, State Parks are not open to out-of-state residents

 

-Visitors must demonstrate proof of residency (state ID, state license plate) or will not be permitted entry

 

-Camping at state parks remains prohibited; state parks are open for day-use only

 

-Visitors must adhere to physical distancing. *The virus can still spread in groups when closely congregating outdoors. 

 

School reopenings are currently depending on how the state is containing the virus currently, no contact sports (football, soccer) will be permitted this fall. 

 

-Modified schedules to be evaluated for potentially later in the school year.

 

-Other non-contact sports are under review and will likely have delayed starts to seasons. 

 

*Fall sports will not happen if schools cannot reopen. 

 

After the announcement, Grisham opened the floor to media members, where she answered questions regarding no contact sports as well as the future of New Mexico sports teams, including New Mexico United. While no decision regarding these teams has been officially made, Grisham said she would be updating New Mexican on the administration’s decision soon. 

 

Near the end of the announcement, Grisham thanked New Mexican’s for their hard work while cautioning citizens who are not taking the virus seriously. 

 

“I’m going to do my very best. I owe that to all the New Mexicans who have been wearing masks every day who have been socially distanced, who are getting deliveries who aren’t leaving their houses, who are telecommuting for work, who are homeschooling their kids, who are entertaining their kids and their families, who haven’t seen their loved ones in assisted livings or in nursing homes, I could go on. To those New Mexicans, I say thank you for saving countless lives.” Grisham said. “And to the New Mexicans who may have made a mistake or weren’t very sure, who didn’t understand the public health order and for those of you who think you just don’t have to adhere the message is: We all have to do it, and that’s what we expect going forward.”

 

The full press release going over the governor’s amendments and restrictions can be found here.