All 33 New Mexico counties now in Turquoise on state’s re-opening map

SANTA FE, New Mexico -- Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday issued a new public health order that placed each of New Mexico’s 33 counties in the least-restrictive Turquoise category when it comes to pandemic-related mandates.

State officials pointed to decreased risk of Covid-19 transmission statewide.

The governor has set a goal of ending the color-coded map system at the end of June, as long as 60% of residents are fully vaccinated by then.

“We’re almost there,” she said in a statement, suggesting that more vaccinations would pave the way for small businesses and the economy to “roar back to life.”

With the pace of vaccinations slowing overall, the state has rolled out a new effort that uses cash to get more people in line. New Mexico is offering the largest single cash prize — $5 million — among a growing number of states staging lotteries to promote inoculations.

According to the latest state data, about 56% of eligible residents are fully vaccinated.

Here's what it means to move into Turquoise:

Essential businesses (non-retail): No capacity restrictions but operations must be limited to only those absolutely necessary to carry out essential functions

Essential retail spaces: 75% of maximum capacity indoors; no restrictions on outdoor spaces.

Food and drink establishments (if NM Safe Certified): 75% of maximum capacity for indoor dining; 75% of maximum capacity for outdoor dining

Close-contact businesses: 75% of maximum capacity; no restrictions on outdoor spaces

Large entertainment venues: 33% of maximum capacity for any indoor/enclosed space on premises; 75% of any outdoor space on premises

Recreational facilities: 50% of maximum capacity of any indoor/enclosed space on the premises; 75% of any outdoor space on premises

Bars and clubs: 33% of maximum capacity of any indoor/enclosed space on premises; 75% of any outdoor space on premises, where applicable

**All other businesses: 75% of maximum capacity indoors; no restrictions on outdoor spaces

Houses of worship: May operate at 100% capacity indoors or outdoors should they so choose

Places of lodging: No maximum occupancy restrictions for those that have completed NM Safe Certified training; 50% of maximum occupancy for all others; 15 guests maximum for vacation rentals

Mass gatherings limit: 150 persons