

MESCALERO, NM.
November 6, 2020. The Mescalero Apache Tribe announced three additional COVID-19 related deaths on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation. Tribal President Gabe Aguilar stated: “These deaths came within days of each other. We lost a pastor, who was elderly, and we lost two people who were in their thirties. This just shows you that this virus is fast and unpredictable.” The Tribe reports five (5) COVID-19 related deaths since the pandemic started. Within the last few weeks, the Tribe, like the rest of the state, saw an increase in cases. “Our prayers are with the families of those we lost. Please protect yourselves and your loved ones. Wear your facemasks. Limit your travel. Stay home as much as possible,” President Aguilar commented.
The Tribe provides updates regarding COVID-19 on the Reservation on its official website (www.mescaleroapachetribe.com) and Facebook page.
As of November 5, 2020:
Total: 10695*
Negative: 10185
Positive: 270**
*Includes testing by IHS and NMDOH
** New Cases (since 11-4-20): 15
Total Active: 109
Contacts: 212
Hospitalizations: 12
Deaths: 5
As of November 4, 2020:
Total: 10477*
Negative: 10051
Positive: 255**
*Includes testing by IHS and NMDOH
** New Cases (since 11-3-20): 16
Total Active: 113
Contacts: 190
Hospitalizations: 10
Deaths: 5
The New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department is reaching out to about 60,000 New Mexicans who may not have received or applied for the Economic Impact Payments authorized by the federal CARES Act earlier this year.
Taxation and Revenue, with the help of the New Mexico Human Services Department, identified people who may not have filed a federal tax return in 2018 or 2019 and, as a result, did not automatically receive their federal stimulus payment.
Individuals may be eligible for payments of up to $1,200, depending on income, plus an additional $500 per qualifying child.
Letters notifying those identified as possibly still eligible for a payment are being sent out over the next week.
“The pandemic has put many New Mexicans in unprecedented financial strain. We want everyone who may be eligible for a stimulus payment to apply for that money,” said Taxation and Revenue Secretary Stephanie Schardin Clarke.
“It’s not too late to register for stimulus money even if you didn’t file a tax return,” added Human Services Secretary David R. Scrase, M.D. “If you or someone you know is eligible, but hasn’t claimed it yet, we’re urging every New Mexican to register to get the money they’re eligible for before the IRS November 21, deadline.”
The deadline to request a payment from the IRS is Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. Mountain Time. To apply and for more information, go to https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments.
COVID-19 testing surge across southern N.M.
SANTA FE – – The state of New Mexico has partnered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to launch a dramatically expanded COVID-19 testing effort across southern New Mexico with the goal of driving down positivity rates to turn “red” counties to “green” and restore the economy of the region.
Beginning Thursday, Nov. 5, the Department of Health will establish 12 new testing sites across southern counties, where skyrocketing positivity rates indicate the virus is spreading rapidly.
“We are working around the clock to expand New Mexico’s testing capacity,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Testing in New Mexico has been and will always be free. It must be accessible and easy. We’re always working on improving that. And together we will beat back this awful virus.”
“More testing does not lead to more cases,” said Lt. Gov. Howie Morales. “More testing helps us identify who is positive and ensure they are informed and are isolated before they spread the virus throughout the community. Testing is an important tool in helping us cut down the spread. I know Southern New Mexico wants to get back to work. Getting tested is an essential step in getting from ‘red’ to ‘green,’ and getting kids safely back in school and more workers safely back to work. The state of New Mexico is grateful to our federal partners for helping to coordinate this important effort in our fight against the virus.”
The following new testing sites will be operational as of Thursday, Nov. 5. Residents must pre-register for a test at www.doineedacovid19test.com.
Las Cruces: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.,New Mexico State University, at 3305 Williams Avenue (Parking Lot #100), Las Cruces, NM 88003
Clovis: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.,Clovis Community College Gymnasium, 417 Schepps Blvd, Clovis, NM
Hobbs: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ralph Tasker Arena, 800 N Jefferson St, Hobbs, NM 88240
Carlsbad: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.,New Mexico State University – Carlsbad, 1500 University Dr, Carlsbad, NM
Portales: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.,Eastern NM University, Greyhound Stadium (Home Parking Lot), 1751 West University Drive, Portales, NM 88130
Socorro: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.,NM Tech, 801 Leroy Pl (Intersection of Leroy Pl and College Ave), Socorro, NM
Roswell: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.,Fifth Judicial District Courthouse, 400 N Virginia Ave, Roswell, NM
Ruidoso: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.,Fire Station 1, 541 Sudderth Dr., Ruidoso, NM
Sunland Park/Santa Teresa: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.,Sunland Park Casino, 1200 Futurity Dr, Sunland Park, NM
Hatch: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.,Hatch Community Center, 837 NM-187, Hatch, NM
Deming: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.,Valley Learning Center, 2300 E Pine St, Deming, NM 88030
Alamogordo: 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.,Alamogordo Civic Center, 800 E 1st St, Alamogordo, NM
The state of New Mexico and its testing partners have processed more than 1.1 million tests since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visit cv.nmhealth.org for more information on testing sites, behavioral health resources and the state of New Mexico’s pandemic response.
As of November 3, 2020:
Total: 10414*
Negative: 10039
Positive: 239
*Includes testing by IHS and NMDOH.
Active: 102
Contacts: 173
Hospitalizations: 12
Death: 5