Enchantment State News

The Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) released a statement after Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham held a press conference and updated her public health order.

“Gov. Lujan Grisham continues her piecemeal solution to our serious problem of treating constituents fairly," RPNM Chairman Steve Pearce said in the statement. "We’ve now learned it will be at least June before dine-in restaurants, salons, gyms and other establishments can be considered for a partial reopening."

Pearce said in the statement that the Republican party did not agree with Lujan Grisham's decision.

"The continued shutdown is killing livelihoods while other businesses are partially opened and national chains take in New Mexico dollars," Pearce said in the statement. "This is unjust and unfair. The inequitable order is forcing hundreds of restaurants to close, bankrupting other establishments and collapsing our state’s economy."

Lujan Grisham said this week that more businesses would be able to open back up beginning June 1, since the state reached its peak on May 1, according to KRQE.

“Now I’m asking for the reverse, as businesses did their part to protect New Mexicans we have to protect businesses as we continue to expand in terms of opening the economy," Lujan Grisham told the news agency. "By respecting that they can’t stay open if you don’t stay home when you can, wear a mask, wash your hands and socially distance yourself."

Restaurants, hotels and gyms will be able to reopen at 50% capacity, while hair salons, barbershops, tattoo parlors, massage services, nail salons and indoor malls can reopen at 25% capacity, KRQE reported.

Drive-in theaters using safe practices and state parks are also able to reopen. Bars are still closed and breweries and wineries can only do curbside pickup, according to the news agency. Masks are still to be worn in public and mass gatherings are prohibited.