Enchantment State News

New Mexico’s governor issued a new public health order yesterday to allow all retailers and churches to reopen starting on Saturday, but everyone must wear face masks in public unless they are eating, drinking or exercising.

Retailers who sell directly to the consumer or public can reopen at 25% of their fire-rated capacity, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said during a news conference on Wednesday.

Churches may reopen at 10% of their capacity, which the governor said will allow baptisms, daily masses and counseling.

“Many congregations are going to choose to stay closed and to offer faith-based services in different vehicles for longer periods of time,” she said at the press conference.

Gun shops can serve customers by appointment only, Lujan Grisham said.

Non-essential businesses like office spaces and call centers also may open up to 25% of their pre-crisis staffing levels. The governor said employers should continue their telework policies wherever possible.

Big-box stores, including grocery stores, must remain at their 20% operating capacity.

What Lujan Grisham said this “slight reopening” does not allow is high-intensity contact services. Dine-in at restaurants, indoor malls, salons and gyms will not be allowed to reopen. Bars, theaters, casinos, massage and tattoo parlors also remain closed.

The risk of the spread of COVID-19 remains too high in the northwestern public health region, so Cibola, McKinley and San Juan counties were not included in these reopenings.

Other portions of the previous public health order that remain in effect say that New Mexicans must stay at home except for healthy, safety and welfare needs. Gatherings must be limited to no more than five people when leaving home, with social distancing rules continuing.

The state still requires a 14-day quarantine for out-of-state airport arrivals and prohibits vacation rentals to out-of-state residents.

Families are still restricted from visiting long-term care facilities and other congregate care buildings.

“At the end of the day, it’s all driven by what we do as New Mexicans. If we stay home, wash hands, cough into our elbows and wear face masks, we’ll continue to meet our gating criteria goals and continue to reopen the economy,” Dr. David Scrase, secretary of the Human Services Department, said in a press release.