Red-to-Green system to be used for New Mexico counties
SANTA FE — Counties in New Mexico may be able to reopen and increase capacity at non-essential businesses.
On Dec. 2, the state transitioned into a three-tier county-by-county system that will determine where restrictions can be eased.
“The county-by-county framework enables counties, and the businesses and nonprofits within their borders, to operate with fewer restrictions when they slow the spread of the virus and drive down test positivity rates,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham explained.
“It’s been a difficult year and an especially difficult past month. We must remain as vigilant as ever to contain and beat the virus,” she said.
THREE-TIER SYSTEM
Under the new system, counties will be considered as red, yellow, or green.
If a county is deemed “red,” the state has determined the number of positive COVID-19 tests is very high and there is a high average of new cases. In red counties restrictions will remain in place.
Red county restrictions will limit indoor dining and reduce capacity at houses of worship to 25 percent.
If a county is “yellow,” there is a high average positivity rate. These counties can look forward to easing restrictions in the near future.
At this level, essential retail stores can have up to 125 customers or 25 percent of their maximum occupancy, whichever is smaller. Food-and-drink establishments can have up to 25 percent of their maximum occupancy.
If a county is declared “green,” it is considered a medium risk county and businesses considered to be “non-essential” can operate under fewer constraints.
A green county could be allowed up to 50 percent occupancy at essential retail stores. Additionally, indoor dining and houses of worship could have a maximum occupancy of 50 percent.
As of Nov. 30, 32 New Mexico counties are classified as red. Los Alamos County is the lone yellow county.
The county-by-county outlook is updated every other Wednesday. The next update will take place on Dec. 16.
The map can be accessed at cv.nmhealth.org/redtogreen.
CASE COUNTS
The Governor’s Office reported the Nov. 30 case count at 1,684, putting the total over 97,000 statewide.
Locally, 85 new COVID cases were reported in McKinley County on Nov. 30, bringing the area’s total confirmed case count to over 7,100.
In total, 1,568 New Mexicans have lost their lives to COVID-19, as of Nov. 30.
By Dominic Aragon
Sun Correspondent
