Doña Ana County discontinued out-of-state travel for employees, following Governor Lujan-Grisham’s declaration of a public health emergency, on March 11, to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus Disease 2019, COVID-19.
“We understand the growing concern surrounding COVID-19 across our county and we are working on ways to immediately implement preventive measures, to be ready in the event of an outbreak that may require limited County operations,” County Manager Fernando R. Macias said.
County offices remain open at this time, to ensure services we provide constituents continue to flow, effectively and efficiently. However, steps are being taken now to mitigate the spread of the virus, for employees and the public alike, as preventative measures.
“We are actively developing contingency plans for each department, in the event that our area experiences an outbreak, while maintaining essential health and safety services,” Macias said. “If needed, only essential personnel will report to work at County locations, to ensure the County’s core functions continue to operate, while minimizing the risk,” Macias said.
The County may also implement a gradual reduction in the number of employees who are present at any time, at the Government Center, by encouraging employees whose functions allow it, to work from home, or remotely. Employee activities that are not essential will also be reduced within County building.
Updates will be announced through our website, donaanacounty.org, social media channels, the media and regional agencies, such as the Office of Emergency Management, law enforcement agencies and healthcare providers. “Our utmost priority is to provide information and services that residents need, at all times,” Macias said.
The Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office administrative functions remain active, as well as Fire and Emergency Services, the Detention Center and law enforcement in the field.
The County is also reducing the use of the Community Resources Centers, in a preventive measure. However, needed services will continue, such as meals for senior residents. Some programs and activities could be postponed or cancelled. Please call your local Community Resource Center to confirm scheduled activities. A list of contacts is posted at https://www.donaanacounty.org/
For more information about Coronavirus, please contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC at (800) 232-4636 or visit their website, at https://www.cdc.gov.
If you feel you have symptoms, stay home and call the Department of Health at (855) 600-3453. They will arrange screening. More information is available at the New Mexico Department of Health webpage, http://cv.nmhealth.org/.
For emergencies, please call the Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority, MVRDA at (575) 526-0795.
For Coronavirus questions at Doña Ana County, please contact Jamie Michael, director, Health and Human Services at (575) 525-5969 and by e-mail, at jamiem@donaanacounty.org.