Dona Ana Co. sees record 7 new virus deaths as governor expands testing in southern New Mexico

SANTA FE, New Mexico — As New Mexico’s confirmed coronavirus cases topped 51,110, with 862 new infections reported on Thursday, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham proclaimed “the data is not good."

"We are not trending anywhere in the right direction,” she said.

New Mexico virus deaths set a daily record Thursday when they increased by 23, with two victims in their 40s with no underlying conditions, to reach 1,092 total. Hospitalizations also remain high, with 400 patients and 59 on ventilators - which is a 260% increase in the past month.

"Our hospital system is overwhelmed," Lujan Grisham said.

"More drastic decision-making will occur and we will have a horrible November and a dramatically bad December, and no one in this state deserves that,” the governor added, signaling more restrictive public health orders were likely coming soon.

In Doña Ana County, there were 137 new cases and a record seven additional deaths reported Thursday. Those latest deaths included:

• A woman in her 40s from Doña Ana County who was hospitalized.
• A woman in her 70s from Doña Ana County who was was hospitalized.
• A woman in her 80s who was a resident of Adobe Assisted Living in Las Cruces.
• A man in his 60s from Doña Ana County who was hospitalized.
• 2 men in their 70s from Doña Ana County who were hospitalized.
• A man in his 80s from Doña Ana County who was hospitalized.

It comes as New Mexico health leaders are now partnering with the federal government to expand virus testing across the southern part of the state.

The state Health Department said the effort is aimed at driving down positivity rates in counties that are currently on the “red” list. Once a county improves, it moves to the “green” list and some restrictions can be relaxed.

Starting Thursday, the Health Department opened 12 new testing sites in areas where positivity rates have skyrocketed. That includes Las Cruces, Clovis, Hobbs, Carlsbad, Portales and several other locations.

The state and its testing partners have processed more than 1.1 million tests since the onset of the pandemic.

Lt. Gov. Howie Morales said more testing doesn't lead to more cases.

“More testing helps us identify who is positive and ensure they are informed and are isolated before they spread the virus throughout the community," he said. “Testing is an important tool in helping us cut down the spread.”