New Mexico virus cases grow to 23; restrictions lifted for unemployment benefits
SANTA FE, New Mexico — Two more people have tested positive for the coronavirus in New Mexico, bringing the number of confirmed cases to 23, officials with the state Department of Health said Tuesday.
The two new cases included a Taos County man in his 50s and a Santa Fe County man in his 40s.
The number of confirmed cases by county are now: Bernalillo 14, Sandoval 2, Santa Fe 4, Socorro 2, Taos 1.
Meanwhile, the state of New Mexico is extending eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits to workers who have been affected by the virus pandemic.
Officials said employees whose hours have been reduced or who have been laid off due to the outbreak are eligible; employees at businesses that have closed temporarily will be able to access benefits without having to search for a new position while they wait for their employers to restart operations.
“We want to give businesses every opportunity to retain employees during this time of significant economic disruption,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “These new unemployment insurance guidelines will allow employers to simultaneously reduce payroll expenses, avoid permanent layoffs, and ensure employees continue receiving income.”
The governor said claims can be filed two ways:
- Online 24/7 via the New Mexico Workforce Connection Online System
- By phone at 877-664-6984 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. — 4:30 p.m.
Officials said more information on the state's unemployment insurance program is available by clicking here.
