19 staff members, 10 students tested positive.

SANTA FE— The Public Education Department on Oct. 29 announced 29 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours. Rapid response has been initiated, and all pertinent information has been verified with the schools and school districts. The following new cases have been reported:

§  Four cases in McKinley County. All of the infected individuals are staff members who were last on school property Oct. 27 and 28.

§  Five cases in Bernalillo County. All of the infected individuals are staff members who were last on school property Oct. 28.

§  One case in Chaves County. The infected individual is a student who was last on...

State delegation requests a full accounting of federal PPE distribution

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Tom Udall, D-N.M. and Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. and U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Deb Haaland, D-N.M. and Xochitl Torres Small, D-N.M. urged officials in the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services  to distribute adequate supplies of personal protective equipment  from the Strategic National Stockpile  to New Mexico so the state and its Native communities may properly prepare for the coming winter months. New Mexico is currently experiencing a spike in COVID-19 infections, as its rate of new infections is one of...

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and state behavioral health officials highlighted resources Oct. 27  to support New Mexicans during the ongoing health emergency.

“For many, the pandemic is a source of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty – but there is plenty we can do to take care of ourselves and our loved ones,” the governor said. “And it’s essential that we take time for genuine self-care. That’s how we’ll find the calm and stability to weather this time – together.”

“Even when we’re quarantining, we’re still all in this together,” New Mexico Behavioral Health Collaborative CEO Bryce Pittenger said. “Please reach out to mental health providers...

Schools continue to operate using hybrid models

SANTA FE — Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham announced changes to the current public health order in a news conference Oct. 20.

Among the changes, food and drink establishments will be able to offer indoor dining to a maximum of 25 percent occupancy.

The food and drink businesses will have to consent to spot testing of employees.

“If you don’t complete the New Mexico Safe Certification program … you cannot continue to offer indoor dining at 25 percent,” the governor said.

The businesses will have until the end of the month to complete the certification.

Additionally, to aid in contact tracing, food and drink establishments...