Updated reopening map moves 3 southern New Mexico counties into either ‘green’ or ‘turquoise’

SANTA FE, New Mexico -- Friday marked the start of New Mexico’s updated color-coded framework for determining Covid-19 risks in each of the state’s 33 counties, with state officials saying the changes were aimed at providing a more accurate picture of risk given increasing vaccination rates.

By shifting the metrics, more counties were now at a level at which there are fewer restrictions on commercial and day-to-day activities. In all, 24 counties are at the least-restrictive turquoise level, followed by six at green and three at yellow. There were none are in the red.

The update comes after the governor predicted earlier this week that the state would be able to do away with the framework and completely reopen restaurants and businesses by the end of June, once 60% of New Mexicans are fully vaccinated. The latest state data showed more than 42% of residents 16 and older are fully vaccinated.

In southern New Mexico, Luna County may now operate at the turquoise level, while Doña Ana and Otero counties may operate at the green level.

Below are the details on the restrictions at the turquoise and green color levels. You can click here for more information from the New Mexico Department of Health.

TURQUOISE LEVEL:

Counties at the Turquoise Level have three of the following or two of the following in two consecutive reporting periods: 1) a new Covid-19 average daily case incidence rate of no greater than 10 cases per 100,000 inhabitants during the most recent two-week period, 2) an average percent of positive Covid-19 test results less than or equal to 7.5%, or 3) a fully vaccinated rate at or above 35%.

• 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 for indoor spaces and 100% outdoor
• 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

GREEN LEVEL:

Counties at the Green Level have two of the following: 1) a new Covid-19 average daily case incidence rate of no greater than 10 cases per 100,000 inhabitants during the most recent two-week period, 2) an average percent of positive Covid-19 test results no greater than 7.5%, or 3) a fully vaccinated rate at or above 35%.

• 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: 50% of maximum capacity (indoor and outdoor)
• Food and drink establishments (if NM Safe Certified): 50% of maximum capacity for indoor dining; 75% of maximum capacity for outdoor dining
• Close-contact businesses: 50% of maximum capacity (indoor and outdoor)
• Large entertainment venues: 25% of maximum capacity for any indoor/enclosed space on premises; 50% of any outdoor space on premises
• Recreational facilities: 25% of maximum capacity of any indoor/enclosed space on the premises; 50% of any outdoor space on the premises
• Bars and clubs: 25% of maximum capacity of any outdoor space on premises, where applicable; indoor not permitted
• All other businesses: 50% of maximum capacity (indoor and outdoor)
• Houses of worship: May operate at 100% capacity indoors or outdoors should they so choose
• Places of lodging: 75% of maximum occupancy for those that have completed NM Safe Certified training; 40% of maximum occupancy for all others; 10 guests maximum for vacation rentals
• Mass gatherings limit: 20 persons

The health metrics used to determine a county’s risk level now include a new less restrictive per-capita rate of new Covid-19 cases of no greater than 10 per 100,000 residents and a higher average positivity rate of less than or equal to 7.5% over a 14-day reporting period.

“As our models show, test positivity is likely to become more elastic over time, and as fewer New Mexicans will require Covid-19 testing amid increasing vaccinations, we want to provide counties the assurance that they can continue to progress in accordance with the actual risk they face,” Human Services Secretary Dr. David Scrase said in a statement.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)