Enchantment State News

New Mexico recently changed its COVID-19 reopening framework to a county-by-county risk system.

“The county-by-county framework enables counties, and the businesses and nonprofits within their borders, to operate with fewer restrictions when they slow the spread of the virus and drive down test positivity rates,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a press release on the Office of the New Mexico Governor website. “It’s been a difficult year and an especially difficult past month. We must remain as vigilant as ever to contain and beat the virus. We also must look for ways to lessen the burden on our communities wherever possible, while never swerving from our top priority – protecting New Mexicans and saving lives.”

The governor’s release states the 33 counties in New Mexico will operate on one of three COVID-19 risk levels based on the per-capita incidence of new cases and average percent of positive tests over the most recent two weeks. The red level represents the highest risk followed by the yellow level and then green. Counties at the red level will have heavier restrictions compared to those at the yellow and green levels.

The Red to Green framework outlines maximum capacity restrictions for mass gatherings, essential businesses, essential retail spaces, close-contact businesses, food and drink establishments, houses of worship, places of lodging and outdoor recreational facilities.

Businesses in all counties, regardless of their risk level, must follow COVID-19 safe practices and may be required to close if they experience a significant number of positive cases within in a two-week period of time, according to the release. Individuals are also required to wear masks in public places.

“Nothing about this virus has changed,” Grisham said in the release. “And what we can all do to fight it – and to help members of our local communities avoid infection and get back to more safe day-to-day activities – hasn’t changed either.”