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State Restrictions Announced Following Rise In Hospitalizations

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
/
Office of the New Mexico Governor

The message out of the state’s weekly COVID-19 press conference was clear — New Mexicans will need to be extra vigilant in the face of the virus as the number of positive COVID cases continues to climb. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham reported hospitalizations are up 74% this month.

“These are the highest levels we've been at, in a very bad way,” Grisham said. “So New Mexico has been leading the Southwest in low positivity rates, controllable transmission of COVID-19, and now we're in those columns where we're leading the country, if not in the number one position nearing it, for uncontrollable spread.”

Grisham announced all food and drink establishments that serve alcohol will now be required to close by 10 pm. She also spoke about the need for lodging occupancy to be reduced.  

“A maximum occupancy for hotels or placing of lodging is reduced,” Grisham said. “Visitors and residents from high risk states, and if you're looking at what's going around the country that's now nearly every state, have to quarantine for 14 days, in addition to the length of stay in New Mexico.”

In addition, in person gatherings will now be limited to five people, with the state suggesting outings be limited to work, errands and self-care needs. The governor specifically highlighted travel to El Paso as being especially problematic.

“El Paso, as an example, reported an unfathomable 717 cases today in El Paso alone, with 438 people hospitalized. Please do not go to El Paso,” Grisham said.  

Now, the governor is asking New Mexicans to slow the spread so that further restrictions will not have to be implemented by the state.

“I am always proud of us. I am disturbed and dismayed and afraid for us. Those are the right reactions to what's going on with COVID,” Grisham said. “Let's not allow ourselves to be angry or hateful. Let's lift ourselves up. I ask you to take me up on this challenge.”

Madison Staten was a Multimedia Reporter for KRWG Public Media from 2020-2022.