The New Mexico Supreme Court ruled against the state's restaurant association, which had sued to overturn an indoor dining ban enacted by the administration of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Supreme Court Justice Judith Nakamura announced the decision from the bench following arguments Wednesday afternoon. "It is the policy of courts to uphold regulations intended to protect public health unless it is plain they have no real relation to the object for which they were enacted," said Nakamura.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham plans to relax some public health mandates and she is citing recent progress in slowing the coronavirus outbreak. The governor said Wednesday that limited indoor dining (25% capacity) at food and drink establishments will be allowed. And capacity at houses of worship will be increased from 25% to 40% starting Saturday. State health officials say average daily coronavirus case totals have declined recently. They also say that virus testing capacity is meeting targets and that the virus' spread rate statewide is below the target. New Mexico has reported more than 24,730 confirmed cases and 755 deaths.