SANTA FE, NM - Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a new public health order effective today, July 1st, requiring businesses to enforce mask compliance in their spaces. Business owners will face possible fines for not following the new order.
Amidst an increase in COVID-19 cases statewide, the Governor also suggested New Mexico is in danger of moving backwards on reopenings like neighboring Texas if the numbers don't improve. Lujan Grisham said travelers into New Mexico, whether flying in or driving, will be required to quarantine for 14 days. She acknowledged that enforcement is difficult and that compliance is voluntary.
The governor cited the failure of wearing face coverings and a relaxation of COVID-safe practices for the increase in positive tests and hospitalizations. She said the state will closely monitor the numbers over the next two weeks. She urged New Mexicans to continue to stay home and wear face coverings when out in public and said these continued practices and a decrease in the numbers of cases are important for the state to be able to reopen schools.