‘Progress’ in New Mexico virus fight: 13 new Dona Ana cases, 2 new at Otero Prison; limited dining starts
SANTA FE, New Mexico — New Mexico reported an additional 127 positive tests for the coronavirus on Wednesday, bringing the statewide total to 7,252 - with McKinley and San Juan counties, in the northwest corner, accounting for more than half of those cases.
Four new deaths were also reported, taking the state’s fatalities to 329, while at least 210 people remained hospitalized.
In southern New Mexico, Doña Ana County's case count rose to 439 with 13 new infections reported Wednesday. The county's death toll remained at just two. Otero County was unchanged with 17 cases and two deaths, the most recent of which came Tuesday involving a Mescalero tribe member.
The state Health Department also is reporting two new cases among federal inmates being held in lockup in Otero County. The county prison facility now has 96 total confirmed cases, while the immigration processing center remained at 92.
“We continue to see sustained, consistent progress in our fight against this virus, which is a credit to the New Mexicans who have amended their behavior to keep themselves, their families and their communities safe,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.
The announcement of the latest data comes as an an amended public health order took effect Wednesday that allows limited outdoor dining at New Mexico restaurants.
Dine-in services inside restaurants and bars remained prohibited, but the new order allows for restaurants to offer dine-in service in outdoor seating areas at up to 50% of their outdoor seating capacity.
Tables must be placed at least 6 feet apart, no more than six people may be seated at any single table and no bar or counter seating is allowed.
The governor said the move allows restaurants an opportunity to prepare for a wider reopening next week.
“I greatly look forward to being able to continue to ease the restrictions imposed on us by this heinous virus – provided that we continue on the right track,” the governor said.
The changes don't apply to the northwestern counties of Cibola, McKinley and San Juan. State officials said that region remains under the stricter health order that was imposed in early May but is on track for broader re-openings beginning June 1.
Officials with the New Mexico Restaurant Association also said restaurants in some other parts of the state are being asked to consider holding back. Carol Wight, the association’s chief executive, pointed to those in Dona Ana County, where officials have reported a higher rate of transmission.
