Reopening map shows almost every New Mexico county, including Dona Ana, is now low risk

SANTE FE, New Mexico -- All but three counties in New Mexico are now in the least restrictive 'Turquoise' level according to the latest map released from the state Department of Health on Wednesday.

New Mexico Department of Health Secretary Dr. Tracie Collins and New Mexico Human Services Department Secretary Dr. David Scrase provided the update at Covid-19 briefing that you can watch in the video player at the bottom of this article.

This comes a week after the state announced updates to the color-coded framework that would require counties to meet just two of the three requirements to move into the less restrictive Covid-19 conditions.

According to the update, the southern New Mexico counties of Dona Ana, Luna and Otero are all in 'Turquoise,' which indicates they are at low risk for the spread or coronavirus based on testing and vaccination numbers. That marked an improvement for Dona Ana and Otero, which previously were green.

Just one county in the state is in yellow (medium risk) and two are listed in green (medium risk), according to the map. No counties were in the red high-risk level.

State officials are planning to retire the color-coded system once 60% of New Mexicans are fully vaccinated.

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