New Mexico counties have long way to go under virus system

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico is moving soon to a county-by-county system for responding to COVID-19 that allows local communities to shed restrictions if the virus retreats. At this point, only one of New Mexico’s 33 counties — Los Alamos County — would be eligible to ease restrictions on gatherings and resume indoor dining at restaurants. The new system will take effect Wednesday. Over the past week, one person in every 155 people in the state was diagnosed with COVID-19. An analysis shows the seven-day rolling average of daily COVID-19 deaths has increased over the past two weeks from nearly 14 to more than 22 on Sunday.