It’s a celebration!
Department of Health COVID-19 map update: June 2
N.M. elevates all counties to Turquoise
SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Wednesday authorized the execution of a new statewide public health order that places each of the state’s 33 counties at the least-restrictive Turquoise Level within the state’s color-coded county-by-county risk framework, reflecting significantly decreased risk of viral transmission statewide.
Correspondingly, the New Mexico Department of Health’s updated statewide COVID-19 map places all 33 New Mexico counties at the Turquoise Level as of June 2.
The Department of Health on Tuesday reported only 380 new COVID-19 cases covering a four-day cumulative weekend reporting period (from Saturday, May 29, through Tuesday, June 1) — an average of fewer than 100 cases each day.
Given the state’s vaccination progress, and a continued positive outlook with respect to new virus cases, counties will remain at the Turquoise Level barring exceptional circumstances — such as an unforeseen mass outbreak — for the duration of the state’s use of the color-coded county-by-county system.
The color-coded system will be phased out after 60 percent of the state’s eligible population has completed its vaccination series and two weeks, allowing for the vaccinations to take full effect, have passed.
The public health order is attached to this release.
“We’re almost there,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “New Mexicans are making the right choices: Getting vaccinated so we can all safely resume our lives and so our small businesses and economy can roar back to life. Please encourage your friends and family to register if they haven’t already — and keep up the hard work as, all together, we push toward ending the worst of the pandemic.”
Absent the change enacted Wednesday, under the previous framework for evaluating risk for counties, 28 counties would have been operating at the Turquoise Level, and five — De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Roosevelt and Torrance — would have moved back to operating at the Yellow Level. The state will continue to closely monitor vaccination rates in those counties and work with local officials however possible to boost vaccinations.
After 60 percent of eligible New Mexicans have been fully vaccinated, the state will graduate out of the color-coded county risk system and remove most pandemic-related restrictions on commercial activities.
The state will remove the color-coded risk system two weeks after the 60 percent threshold is reached, allowing for the vaccinations to take full effect.
New Mexicans may schedule their COVID-19 vaccination at vaccineNM.org.
New Mexicans are eligible to win prizes, including up to $5 million, through the Vax 2 the Max Sweepstakes; vaccinated New Mexicans may opt in to the sweepstakes at vax2themaxnm.org.
New Mexicans who are fully vaccinated may as of last month opt to set aside their facemasks in most environments, per updated CDC guidance. Unvaccinated New Mexicans are required to retain their facemasks in public spaces — and should seek out their vaccination immediately. Regardless of vaccination status, New Mexicans must adhere to local and commercial requirements regarding facemasks. And New Mexicans are encouraged to continue adhering to COVID-safe practices.
All individuals, including those who are fully vaccinated, should continue to wear well-fitted masks where required by localities, tribal entities and individual businesses.
Thirty-two counties were operating at the Turquoise Level as of the last biweekly map update on May 19.
TURQUOISE LEVEL:
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
Categories and definitions within the public health order:
Essential businesses (non-retail): These are any business or nonprofit entity falling within one or more of the following categories:
- Health care operations including hospitals, walk-in-care health facilities, pharmacies, medical wholesale and distribution, home health care workers or aides for the elderly, emergency dental facilities, nursing homes, residential health care facilities, research facilities, congregate care facilities, intermediate care facilities for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities, supportive living homes, home health care providers, drug and alcohol recovery support services, and medical supplies and equipment manufacturers and providers;
- Homeless shelters, food banks, and other services providing care to indigent or needy populations;
- Childcare facilities;
- Farms, ranches, and other food cultivation, processing, or packaging operations;
- Infrastructure operations including, but not limited to, public works construction, commercial and residential construction and maintenance, self-storage facilities, airport operations, public transportation, airlines, taxis, private transportation providers, transportation network companies, water, gas, electrical, oil drilling, oil refining, natural resources extraction or mining operations, nuclear material research and enrichment, those attendant to the repair and construction of roads and highways, gas stations, solid waste collection and removal, trash and recycling collection, processing and disposal, sewer, data and internet providers, data centers, technology support operations, and telecommunications systems;
- Manufacturing operations involved in food processing, manufacturing agents, chemicals, fertilizer, pharmaceuticals, sanitary products, household paper products, microelectronics/semiconductor, primary metals manufacturers, electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturers, and transportation equipment manufacturers;
- Services necessary to maintain the safety and sanitation of residences or essential businesses including security services, towing services, custodial services, plumbers, electricians, and other skilled trades;
- Veterinary and livestock services, animal shelters and facilities providing pet adoption, daycare, or boarding services;
- Media services;
- Utilities, including their contractors, suppliers, and supportive operations, engaged in power generation, fuel supply and transmission, water and wastewater supply;
- Crematoriums, funeral homes and cemeteries;
- Banks, credit unions, insurance providers, payroll services, brokerage services, and investment management firms;
- Businesses providing mailing and shipping services
- Laboratories and defense and national security-related operations supporting the United States government, a contractor to the United States government, or any federal entity;
- Professional services, such as legal or accounting services, but only where necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities; and
- Logistics, and also businesses that store, transport, or deliver groceries, food, materials, goods or services directly to residences, retailers, government institutions, or essential businesses.
Essential retail spaces: These include grocery stores, supermarkets, food banks, farmers’ markets and vendors who sell food, convenience stores, and other businesses that generate more than one-third of their revenue from the sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet food, animal feed or supplies, fresh meats, fish, and poultry, and any other consumable food and drink products; automobile repair facilities, bike repair facilities, and retailers who generate the majority of their revenue from the sale of automobile or bike repair products; hardware stores; laundromats; and dry cleaner services.
Food and drink establishments: These are restaurants, breweries, wineries, distillers, cafes, coffee shops, or other similar establishments that offer food or drink.
Close-contact businesses: These are barbershops, hair salons, tattoo parlors, nail salons, spas, massage therapy services, esthetician clinics and tanning salons.
Recreational facilities: These are any publicly or privately owned facility typically or actually used for recreational activities capable of bringing persons within close proximity of one another, including aquariums, amusement parks, arcades, basketball courts, baseball fields, bowling alleys, botanical gardens, family entertainment centers, football fields, go-kart courses, golf courses, ice-skating rinks, museums with interactive displays or exhibits, miniature golf courses, ski areas, soccer fields, swimming pools, tennis courts, youth programs, guided raft tours, guided balloon tours and zoos.
Bars and clubs: These are any business that typically or actually generates more than half of its revenue from the sale of alcohol for on-premises consumption — including adult entertainment venues, nightclubs, and dance clubs, regardless of the source of their revenue.
Large entertainment venues: These are as any publicly or privately owned venue typically or actually used to host large audiences for the purposes of entertainment or amusement, including racetracks, concert venues, movie theaters, performance venues, professional sports venues and theaters.
Houses of worship: These are any church, synagogue, mosque, or other gathering space where persons congregate to exercise their religious beliefs.
Places of lodging: These are hotels, motels, RV parks, and short-term vacation rentals.
Mass gatherings: These are any public gathering, private gathering, organized event, ceremony, parade, funeral, or any other grouping that brings together a specified number of individuals in a single room or connected space, confined outdoor space, or open outdoor space. “Mass gatherings” also include coordinated events in which individuals gather in vehicles. “Mass gatherings” do not include the presence of any number of individuals where those individuals regularly reside. “Mass gathering” does not include individuals who are public officials or public employees in the course and scope of their employment.
**All other businesses: These are any entities that are not identified explicitly as an “essential business,” “house of worship,” “recreational facility,” “large entertainment venue,” “food and drink establishment,” “bars or clubs” or “place of lodging”.” Examples would include non-essential retail spaces like a clothing store, a gym, a group fitness class or a personal training service, among others.
Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 5
Only on State waters!
Anglers can fish for free in New Mexico on Saturday, June 5, as the state celebrates National Boating and Fishing Week. Anyone can fish for free in public fishing waters throughout the state Saturday, June 5, but everyone must observe bag limits and all other rules and regulations. For more information, please visit the Department’s website.
“This is a great time to take your family fishing and teach them a skill that will provide a lifetime of enjoyment,” said Mike Sloane, Director for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Before heading out, anglers are encouraged to check current fire restrictions.
For information about where to fish and what to use, consult the Department’s weekly fishing and stocking report and the new Fishing Conditions and Trip Planner. Maps of public fishing waters, lists of where to find family-friendly fishing and tips on how to fish also can be found on the Department website.
May 5th Red Dress Day
The VAW program would like to acknowledge the Elderly program staff and members from the CHR program also participated by wearing red shirts as well as displaying a red camp dress outside the Elderly program building. The month of May brings awareness of MMIW/G however, May 5th is the day designated to display red dresses. The Violence Against Women Program requested that the community display red dresses on their front yard and wear something red on May 5th in support of Missing Murdered Indigenous Women/Girls (MMIW/G) movement representing all women and young girls who are either missing or have been murdered. The Violence Against Women program displayed five dresses out side the building all during the month of May.
Protect your loved ones by keeping your home and car smoke-free!
The home and family vehicle are essential spaces to keep smokefree as children and elders are at risk of lung related
issues caused from second- and thirdhand smoke. As children are exposed to airborne smoke particles,
there is risk of developing severe health issues such as asthma, lung diseases, or heart diseases.
Thirdhand smoke is when cigarette smoke particles land on furniture, car seats, or other surfaces continuing to
put children and elderly at risk. Switching from smoking to vaping does not protect your child or those around
you. E-cigarette aerosol is not harmless. It contains nicotine and other chemicals, which are harmful to everyone
who inhales it, especially youth, pregnant women, the elderly, and those who have lung illnesses.
Tips to make your home and car smoke-free:
- Never smoke inside your home. Note: Smoking indoors one time is enough to contaminate the rest of the house, even if you’re in a room with the doors closed.
- Do not smoke in a car that transports children. Smoking in your car even once can fill the seats and other materials with toxins.
- Remind passengers not to smoke in your car.
- Remove ashtrays, lighters and cigarettes from your car, home and workplace.
- Fill your car’s ashtray with spare change so you aren’t tempted to fill it with ash.
- Get rid of that cigarette smell (and the chemicals in cigarette smoke that sit on clothes and furniture).
- Vacuum your car and house and wash all of your clothes.
- If you live with a smoker, talk to them about keeping the home and cars smoke-free
- Politely ask your friends not to offer you cigarettes.
- Leave a cell phone charger or other device plugged into the car’s adapter outlet so you are not tempted to use it as a lighter.
- Consider putting up a sticker or decal on your car that reminds passengers that it is a no smoking home or vehicle. If you’d like a free home and/or window decal mailed to you, email [email protected]!
New Mexico launches ‘Vax 2 the Max’ Sweepstakes
$10M in winnings, free N.M. travel packages, fishing licenses, state parks passes,
other prizes available to residents getting COVID-19 shots
SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, the New Mexico Department of Health and the New Mexico Lottery on Tuesday announced New Mexico’s Vax 2 the Max Sweepstakes, a statewide vaccination incentive program that will make available $10 million in total prize money to New Mexicans who receive their COVID-19 vaccinations, among other prizes and awards throughout the summer.
New Mexicans can register and schedule their COVID-19 vaccinations at vaccinenm.org.
To be eligible for the cash sweepstakes, New Mexicans who receive or have already received their COVID-19 vaccinations must opt in to register and verify their personal and vaccination information at vax2themaxnm.org.
“Getting vaccinated is the right thing to do — for yourself, for your family and for your state,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “I’m excited to add a little fun to our nation-leading vaccination push. New Mexicans have sacrificed a lot over the last year. Now anyone who has stepped up to get their shots will have a chance to win some excellent prizes — please encourage your friends and neighbors to opt in for their chance to win big and to sign up for their shots as soon as possible!”
More than 55 percent of eligible New Mexicans have completed their vaccination series, according to the Department of Health. The state is hoping to reach 60 percent this month, after which point the state will graduate out of the color-coded county-by-county risk framework, and continue to increase toward at least 70 percent as a near-term goal.
VAX 2 THE MAX CASH SWEEPSTAKES
Vaccinated New Mexicans who have opted into the sweepstakes will be part of five weekly drawings beginning in the middle of June.
Each weekly drawing will award one $250,000 winner from each of the state’s four public health regions, for a total of $1 million in cash prizes each week. A grand prize of $5 million will be awarded at the conclusion of the sweepstakes, in early August, to one winner drawn from the statewide pool of vaccinated New Mexicans who have opted in to the sweepstakes.
The New Mexico Lottery will conduct the cash sweepstakes drawings on behalf of the Lujan Grisham administration.
“I’m pleased the New Mexico Lottery can assist the state in making these prizes available to New Mexicans getting their shots,” said Lottery Chief Executive David M. Barden. “Our organization is deeply experienced in operating fun, fair and exciting drawings, and we look forward to a successful sweepstakes.”
OTHER PRIZES AND AWARDS AT VACCINATION SITES
Beginning next week, New Mexicans receiving their vaccinations through providers who have partnered with the state vaccinenm.org registration system will be eligible to win assorted prizes. Winners will be selected at random. Prizes include:
- One of 18 in-state “staycation” travel packages, ranging in value from $600 to $1,100, including four nights of accommodations and gift cards to local businesses and experiences
- Fishing and hunting licenses
- Annual day-use passes for New Mexico State Parks
- Day-use passes for New Mexico state museums and cultural sites
In addition, beginning next week, the New Mexico Lottery will bring 10 “prize wheels” to providers who have partnered with the state registration system; these sites will be spread across the state. New Mexicans receiving vaccinations at these sites will be eligible for chance to win assorted prizes, including New Mexico Lottery tickets.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Winners will be required to produce their CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card upon claiming their prize.
Non-winning entries in the Vax 2 the Max Sweepstakes will carry over from one weekly drawing to the next. An individual may not win more than one $250,000 regional drawing. All eligible participants will be eligible for the final $5 million drawing.
To be eligible to win a prize, individuals must be at least 18 years of age and a resident of the state of New Mexico. Employees of the New Mexico Lottery and the Office of the Governor, as well as any state employees appointed by the governor, and any members of these employees’ households, are not eligible to participate.
In order to be entered into a drawing, eligible individuals must opt in to the sweepstakes on the Vax 2 the Max website by 6:00 p.m. MST the evening before the drawing — the full schedule for the drawings will be disseminated ahead of time.
To read the full rules and regulations, visit vax2themaxnm.org and click “Rules“.
Funding for the Vax 2 the Max Sweepstakes comes from the state’s portion of American Rescue Plan stimulus. The U.S. Treasury Department last week confirmed in updated guidance that states may use stimulus funding for lotteries, cash payments and other incentive programs to boost vaccination rates.
More youth events!
Mescalero Apache Tribe COVID-19 Test Results
As of May 24, 2021:
Total: 16,819*
Negative: 15,879
Positive: 940**
*Includes testing by IHS & NMDOH
**New cases: 2 (since 5-21-21) (average of 0.67 new cases per day)
Active: 11
Direct Contacts: 12
Hospitalizations: 2
Deaths: 25
NEW Youth Events
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 71
- 72
- 73
- 74
- 75
- …
- 125
- Next Page »