More screenings, limiting staff, sending people home

After both the United States and the State of New Mexico declared health emergencies over the growing pandemic of COVID-19, McKinley County has followed suit.

During their March 17 meeting, the McKinley County Board of Commissioners moved to declare a health emergency for the county. County Manager Anthony Dimas Jr. said the county will be eligible for funding that may come from the federal government or state government after the declaration.

The declaration also gives the county manager’s office authority to delegate work schedules and hours to get through the emergency, Dimas said.

County Attorney Doug Decker said part of the...

Facility closures, updated stats, preparedness drills

The Gallup City Council held a special meeting March 16 to discuss the fallout from the rise of COVID-19, specifically how numerous city facilities have been affected.

City Attorney Curtis Hayes reiterated an order from March 12 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to restrict what had been classified as mass gatherings, or where groups of more than 50 people assemble. The order has since called on state restaurants and bars to either close completely or offer just takeout or delivery orders.

Hayes also mentioned the city facilities that would be closed until further notice: El Morro Theatre and Events Center, Red Rock Park...

None located in McKinley County

SANTA FE - New Mexico state health officials announced additional positive tests for COVID-19 on March 19.

Per the state Department of Health, some of the most recent cases are:

A woman in Bernalillo County in her 80s;

A woman in Bernalillo County in her 40s; the state Department of Health is investigating community spread in this case as this individual had no known exposure;

A woman in Santa Fe County in her 30s;

A woman in Sandoval County in her teens;

A woman in Sandoval County in her 50s.

Including the above newly reported cases, New Mexico has now had a total of 35 positive tests for COVID-19.  They are located in:

Bernalillo County...

It could be an allergy

It is critical that all New Mexicans know that those without symptoms of COVID-19 infection which include fever, cough, or shortness of breath and/or muscle cramping, do not necessarily need testing for COVID-19. We are currently in allergy season, and having allergy symptoms such as sneezing, and itchy eyes, nose or throat is not an indication for testing.

As we work to increase the state’s capacity for COVID-19 testing, the test needs to be prioritized for those with symptoms of COVID-19 infection: fever, cough or shortness of breath. Please trust New Mexico medical professionals to protect and treat the public and only get tested if you are currently...