Effective immediately, playgrounds and all outdoor facilities on Las Cruces Public School campuses will close to the public. The move comes after a new public health directive from state officials that restricts gatherings of more than five people and implores residents to stay home unless “for outings necessary for health, safety and welfare,” according to a news release from New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Dr. Karen Trujillo, Superintendent for Las Cruces Public Schools, ordered all school district playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts and sports fields to close to the public in compliance with the order. Intensive cleaning efforts already underway inside buildings will extend to include those outdoor spaces, according to Trujillo. Security personnel will patrol all school campuses 24 hours a day, and additional frequent patrols will be conducted by Las Cruces Police.
“The safety and well-being of our children, families and community remains our top priority through this crisis,” said Trujillo. School administration, according to Trujillo, were working remotely on Monday to ensure meal distribution services continued in compliance with the new social distancing directive.
Additional resources available to students and families:
· For updated information related to COVID-19, visit www.cv.nmhealth.org.
· To contact the New Mexico Department of Health for any health-related questions or concerns, call the Coronavirus Hotline, 1-855-600-3453.
· During the crisis, families without internet service might be eligible for free or reduced internet service for the next 60 days. For more information on how to apply, call (855) 954-6546, (888) 833-9522 or (888) 234-4272.
· The New Mexico Crisis Line is available for anyone experiencing an emotional or mental health crisis. For resources, visit www.nmcrisisline.com or call 1-855-662-7474. In an emergency, please call 911.
· Additional resources that families might find helpful can be found at www.lcps.net.