ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The mayor of the small western New Mexico city of Grants has announced that he allow small businesses to reopen in defiance of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s order that's keeping nonessential businesses closed.
Grants Mayor Martin Hicks said Thursday he will allow the businesses to open their doors on Monday.
He also says he'll use the city’s police force to prevent State Police officers from issuing lockdown violation citations.
Lujan Grisham last month ordered nonessential businesses to close to stop the spread of COVID-19. New Mexico has more than 2,200 confirmed coronavirus cases and 71 people have died.