Enchantment State News

The State of New Mexico amended their recent emergency public health order to increase restrictions.

The initial order issued on Oct. 16 already called for mandatory closing at 10 p.m. for restaurants serving alcohol and tighter restrictions on occupancy numbers in restaurants and lodging, according a press release from the State of New Mexico.

Valid through Nov. 13, the amended measures require all restaurants, close-contact businesses, retail spaces and places of lodging to close by 10 p.m., according to the press release.

In addition, any restaurant which incurs four rapid responses must close for two weeks. A rapid response is initiated when at least one employee tests positive for COVID-19.

Establishments not New Mexico Safe Certified as of Friday, Oct. 30, must cease indoor dining service. Indoor dining capacity is reduced to 25% for establishments who have completed the New Mexico Safe Certification training program. The program includes training on appropriate safe practices during the coronavirus pandemic. All indoor diners must submit their information in a logbook, which restaurants must retain for at least three weeks.

Museums and historic sites are also closed.

These new measures are intended to address rising case numbers and prevent an overwhelming surge in hospitals while allowing businesses to operate on some level, according to the press release.

“Please stay home,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in the press release. “Please, when you must go out, wear a mask and avoid groups. Shop alone – don’t bring the whole family. Over the next week, two weeks, three weeks, please be extremely conservative in deciding how much time to spend outside of the home. The visit to friends can wait – it’s not worth your life, or theirs. The visit to family can wait – it’s not worth your life, or theirs. Take care and take caution, and we will successfully protect our hospitals and health care workers.”