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...

Use your car to stop the spread

Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services in now offering drive-thru testing for COVID-19 at the hospital’s ER entrance. This will help speed up the process of identifying those who believe they are infected and want to be tested. Any residents who believe they have symptoms are urged to make an appointment by calling (505) 236-1074.

As of this time, no cases have been reported by RMCHCS and no cases have been reported in Gallup or McKinley County. The hospital is also closely coordinating its plans with the New Mexico Department of Health, the Gallup Indian Medical Center-Indian Health Service and the Center for Disease Control.

“Our efforts...

Safety advice from tribe’s response team

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer held a teleconference March 18 to address the growing spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus.

The conference was held after the Navajo Nation confirmed its first two cases of COVID-19 in a statement March 17. Both cases were located in the Chilchinbito area, south of Kayenta, Ariz. The two patients have been transported to a hospital in Phoenix for treatment and are in stable condition as of March 18.

Nez said these are uncertain times where information is changing by the minute, hour, and daily. He said a lot of Navajos would want to hear one of their leaders update...